A new effort aimed at preventing crashes that result in serious injury or death caused by speeders officially kicked off on Tuesday.
Last year the number of people killed in crashes in Texas reached a level not seen since 1981, and 34% of those deaths involved speed. In 2021, speed was the main reason the state saw 163,756 crashes, resulting in 6,493 serious injuries and 1,532 fatalities.
“Speed is the number one factor in roadway crashes in our state, causing 1 out of every 3 traffic deaths,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “When you speed, you increase the risk of death and serious injury in a collision. By observing the speed limit and driving to specific weather and road conditions, Texans can make our roads safer for everyone.”
To reinforce that driving too fast can be dangerous and expensive, TxDOT is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the Lone Star State as they step up their efforts to enforce speed limits during Operation Slowdown, which runs from June 7–21. In addition to writing citations, law enforcement vehicles will spend extra time driving on roads reminding motorists what a safe speed looks like.
Driving a safe speed often means more than following the posted speed limit. TxDOT has these safety tips for motorists:
• Match your speed to road conditions if there’s bad weather or you’re driving through a work zone.
• Slow down and allow for more distance to stop when traffic is heavy.
• Watch for signs alerting you of reduced speed limits ahead.
