FORT WORTH, Texas - A new regional traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing excessive speeding and preventing deadly crashes will begin Aug. 1 in Fort Worth, where police will increase overnight enforcement along two major highways.
The effort is a partnership between the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) and the Fort Worth Police Department as part of the RTC's $57 million regional safety program. The council has dedicated $7 million specifically to initiatives focused on reducing excessive speeding.
Beginning Aug. 1, Fort Worth police officers will conduct increased traffic enforcement along portions of Loop 820 and Interstate 30 between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., a period identified as having some of the region's highest rates of serious and fatal crashes.
According to NCTCOG, officials identified high-risk corridors by analyzing locations where vehicles frequently exceeded 80 mph and comparing that data with roadway fatality statistics. Fort Worth became the first city selected to partner with the agency in testing whether increased law enforcement presence can reduce dangerous speeding.
Officials said the pilot program is intended to lower speeding, crashes, injuries and traffic fatalities while providing data that could help expand the initiative to other North Texas communities.
"The Regional Transportation Council is committed to making our roadways safer through data-driven strategies and strong local partnerships," said Natalie Bettger, senior program manager for congestion management and system operations at NCTCOG. "By working with the Fort Worth Police Department to increase enforcement along key corridors and when serious crashes are likeliest to happen, we're taking a proactive approach to reducing speeding, preventing crashes and ultimately saving lives."
Regional crash data showed speeding was a contributing factor in 34% of serious and fatal crashes on North Texas highways in 2025.
Officials also noted that highway fatalities across the 12-county Dallas-Fort Worth region declined by approximately 15% between 2023 and 2025, a trend they hope to continue through targeted safety initiatives.
"The Fort Worth Police Department is proud to partner with the North Central Texas Council of Governments and Regional Transportation Council on this important safety initiative," Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia said. "Targeted enforcement in high-risk corridors helps us address dangerous driving behaviors, while reinforcing our commitment to protecting everyone who travels on Fort Worth's roadways. We look forward to participating in this pilot program and using the results to enhance traffic safety across our community."
The pilot program will be evaluated after 90 days. Officials said it may be adjusted based on the results and could eventually expand to additional North Texas cities if it proves effective.
