Neighborhoods on FM 1826 and along FM 812 expressed concerns about explosive growth, construction traffic, speeding and aggressive driving to TCSO in late October. There has also been a dramatic increase in the number of deadly crashes on FM 812 this year.
The area of FM 812 in TCSO’s patrol jurisdiction is a 7 mile stretch that runs from US Hwy 183 east to the Bastrop County line. TCSO conducted a traffic study, and it revealed the vast majority of drivers are following the speed limits, but some speeders are traveling in excess of 90 mph. Since 2017, there have been over 900 collisions, twelve of which resulted in fatalities. Most of the collisions occurred between US Hwy 183 and El Roy Road. The causative factors appear to be increased traffic, speed and intoxicated drivers.
FM1826 has seen a significant increase in commercial vehicle traffic due to new construction in the area. TCSO’s patrol jurisdiction is 4.5 miles and runs from US Hwy 290 west to the Hays County line. From October 1, 2020 through October 29, 2021, there were 45 collisions reported on FM1826 in TCSO’s jurisdiction. Three of those involved commercial vehicles; one resulting in a fatality.
From November 1-19, 2021, TCSO executed traffic initiatives in both areas. Speed trailers were placed along the roadways, warning drivers of their speed vs. the posted speed limit. Deputies from TCSO’s Highway Enforcement & Accident Team (HEAT), Commercial Vehicle Enforcement unit, Motors unit, DWI Enforcement unit, and patrol platoons patrolled the areas in higher numbers, looking out for traffic violations.
The results are as follows:
FM 812
716 Traffic Stops
23 Commercial Vehicle Inspections
28 Commercial Vehicles taken out of service
7 DWI Arrests; 1 Felony Warrant
FM 1826
258 Traffic Stops
37 Commercial Vehicle Inspections
15 Commercial Vehicles taken out of service
A study of traffic on FM 812 conducted in the weeks that followed the initiative has revealed that excessive speeding continues to be an issue. “It’s imperative for drivers to slow down. Excessive speeding is reckless and deadly. The holiday season is upon us and this is the time of year when traffic on our roadways increases. We also see an increase in the number of impaired drivers. Please don’t risk your life or the lives of others. Slow down and don’t drink and drive.” -Sheriff Sally Hernandez
