TxDOT is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 11–15) by reminding people to slow down and stay alert when driving through the thousands of work zones in Texas, to protect themselves and others.
Traffic deaths in Texas work zones increased by 33% last year and claimed the lives of 244 people. And the overall number of crashes in Texas highway construction and maintenance areas in 2021 also rose significantly to more than 26,000.
Drivers and their passengers accounted for the majority of those who died in Texas work zone crashes last year: 195 motorists or vehicle passengers were killed, along with 38 pedestrians, four bicyclists and three roadside construction workers. Speeding and driver inattention were among the leading causes of crashes.
With these alarming statistics in mind, TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is sharing safety tips to prevent work zone crashes and fatalities.
With road crews often working only feet away from fast-moving vehicles on Texas roadways, TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign is asking motorists to slow down and stay alert when driving through the thousands of work zones in Texas to protect themselves and others.
In an effort to remind drivers to stay safe and keep an eye out for Texas work zone crews, TxDOT’s El Paso District has erected a giant snake sculpture, made entirely of orange traffic barrels that had been hit by inattentive drivers, at the Texas Travel Information Center in Anthony, TX. The snake sculpture will stay in place through the end of May.
