Whether you’re behind the wheel or working just a few feet from fast-moving vehicles, the need for caution is critical.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or working just a few feet from fast-moving vehicles, the need for caution is critical.
DALLAS — Work zone safety is a growing concern on Texas roadways, where high-speed traffic meets constantly changing construction environments. Whether you’re behind the wheel or working just a few feet from fast-moving vehicles, the need for caution is critical.
In 2024 alone, there were nearly 28,000 crashes in Texas work zones. These incidents resulted in 215 deaths, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the vast majority of those killed in work zone crashes were drivers or their passengers.
To address this troubling trend, TxDOT is shining a spotlight on work zone safety during National Work Zone Awareness Week, held April 21–25. As part of its ongoing “Be Safe, Drive Smart” campaign, TxDOT is urging Texans to slow down, stay focused, and be more cautious whenever they approach a work zone.
“Work zones can mean changing and unexpected conditions as crews work on the roadway,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “That’s why it’s vital that all Texans plan, avoid distractions, and never rush through a work zone.”
Work zones often include narrowed lanes, shifting traffic patterns, reduced speed limits, and an increased presence of workers and equipment. These factors create unpredictable conditions that demand heightened awareness from every driver. It’s not just about protecting road crews — it’s also about safeguarding yourself and your passengers.
TxDOT is also reminding drivers that fines double in work zones when workers are present. More importantly, the agency is promoting these practical safety tips:
• Slow Down: Always follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed for the conditions. What may be safe under normal driving situations might be dangerous in a construction zone.
• Stay Alert: Keep your focus on the road. Avoid distractions like texting, phone calls, or eating while driving.
• Watch Out for Workers: Roadside crews are working just feet from moving traffic. Respect all signs, cones, and flaggers, and remain aware of their presence.
• Avoid Tailgating: Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash in work zones. Maintain a safe distance so you can stop quickly if needed.
• Give Yourself Extra Time: Construction can delay travel. Planning ahead reduces the temptation to speed or take unnecessary risks.
Another key aspect of work zone safety in Texas is the enforcement of the Move Over or Slow Down law. This law requires drivers to either move over a lane or reduce their speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted limit when approaching any TxDOT, emergency, tow truck, law enforcement, or utility vehicle stopped on the roadside with flashing lights activated. Violating this law can result in fines of up to $1,250 for a first offense, and more severe penalties if an injury is involved.
These combined efforts are part of TxDOT’s broader “Drive like a Texan: Kind, Courteous, Safe” initiative. The campaign focuses on encouraging a culture of respect and responsibility behind the wheel, promoting safe driving habits that protect all road users, not just in work zones but across the entire state.
By making safer choices and being more mindful behind the wheel, Texas drivers can dramatically reduce the number of work zone incidents. These crashes are not inevitable — they are preventable through attentiveness, patience, and respect for road workers and fellow travelers.
Work zones are temporary.
The choices drivers make in those zones can have permanent consequences.
TxDOT’s message is clear: take your time, put your phone down, and make safety your priority.