TxDot Calls for Safer Driving as Work Zone Traffic Deaths Rise During Pandemic
April 28, 2021
GOBUS
Even with less traffic during the pandemic, Texas work zone fatalities increased 9% in 2020 compared to 2019. That’s why TxDOT
is calling on drivers to make safety their number one priority at all times and especially when passing through active construction and maintenance work zones on the roadway.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 26–30, with safety tips to reduce work zone fatalities. Last year, there were more than 22,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones with 186 people killed, including four road workers.
“We know driving through work zones can be challenging,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “There can be extra congestion, slow-moving heavy equipment, temporary barriers, and vehicles that make sudden stops. We can’t stress enough how important it is to give driving your full attention and slow down— for your own safety and that of the people who work alongside the road.”
Drivers and their passengers account for the majority of those who have died in work zone crashes. In 2020, 147 motorists and vehicle passengers were killed in Texas work zones, along with 35 pedestrians and bicyclists and four road workers. The Texas Mutual Insurance Company, which helps employers prevent workplace incidents and their consequences, is partnering with TxDOT to promote safe driving. The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign outlines five key steps drivers can take to safely navigate a work zone:
- Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions. Unsafe speed is one of the main causes of crashes in work zones.
- Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.
- Watch out for road crews. The only protective gear they wear is a vest, a hardhat and safety boots.
- Remember, they want to get home safe, too.
- Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry if you need to. Rear-end collisions are the most
- common kind of work zone crashes.
- Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.
Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Move Over/Slow Down law can also result in a $2,000 fine. State law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a TxDOT vehicle, emergency vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all
Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.
You might also like
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has received a $175,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission to continue transportation services for veterans through its rural transit district, GoBus. The funding is part of more than $3.3 million in Texas Veterans Commission grants awarded this month to 13 veteran-service organizations across East Texas. Statewide, the commission awarded $40.8 million to organizations helping veterans and their families access critical services. For many veterans in rural East Texas, reliable transportation can be a barrier to medical appointments, employment, education, grocery stores, social service programs, and other essential destinations. The grant will help GoBus continue providing transportation options that support veterans’ independence and connection to the services they need. “We are grateful to the Texas Veterans Commission for investing in transportation access for veterans in our region,” said ETCOG’s Transportation Director, Vince Huerta. “Through GoBus, we can help reduce the transportation barriers that too often stand between veterans and essential health care, employment opportunities and community resources. With this grant, we are proud to offer free trips for veterans and active service members, their spouses and dependents.” GoBus provides public transportation across East Texas, helping residents in rural communities travel safely and affordably where transportation options may otherwise be limited. Every single vehicle in our fleet is ADA compliant and ready to serve passengers with mobility challenges, disabilities, or special needs. The Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance supports organizations that provide direct assistance to veterans, their families and surviving spouses. Grant funding helps address service gaps in areas such as transportation, housing, financial assistance, legal services, and other supportive programs. Veterans who need transportation assistance are encouraged to contact GoBus to learn about available services, eligibility requirements, and how to schedule a trip. For more information about GoBus, visit www.gobustransit.com or call 903-215-8870.
ETCOG has completed a major fleet replacement for its GoBus rural transit system, with approximately $1.5 million in funding used to purchase and receive multiple new vehicles now ready to serve communities across East Texas. The funding was part of a broader initiative led by TxDOT in late 2024 to secure federal support for rural transit agencies across Texas. That effort brought in more than $26 million in federal funding statewide to address critical fleet replacement needs and help rural systems replace aging vehicles more quickly than would normally be possible. Under typical annual funding levels, most rural transit agencies are only able to replace one to two vehicles per year. This investment gave ETCOG the opportunity to replace several GoBus vehicles that had significantly exceeded their useful life, strengthening the system’s ability to provide safe, dependable transportation for the people who rely on it every day. The new vehicles will help improve safety, reliability, and service continuity for rural residents who depend on GoBus for essential trips such as medical appointments, work, shopping, and other daily needs. With the buses now received, ETCOG is better positioned to maintain consistent service and reduce the risk of disruptions caused by aging equipment. “This funding allows us to continue delivering on our mission of providing safe, reliable, and friendly transportation to the communities we serve,” said Vince Huerta, Director of Transportation. “It ensures we can maintain the level of service our riders depend on every day.” This fleet replacement reflects a meaningful investment in rural public transportation and in the East Texans who count on GoBus to stay connected to essential services and opportunities.
Improving mobility is an ongoing objective for persons living, working, or visiting the East Texas region. As the lead agency for our region, the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and a consultant team to prepare an update of the Regional Public Transportation Coordination Plan for Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. The 2026 Plan seeks to identify practical strategies for improving the day-to-day mobility of all residents of the region, but especially older adults, persons with disabilities, low-income individuals, zero-car households, area youth, persons with limited English proficiency, veterans, clients of workforce agencies, and employment/job seekers. It will include a variety of public participation opportunities including a bilingual (Spanish/English) project webpage, community survey, and focus groups with members of the target populations listed above. We will also conduct surveys of stakeholders and transportation providers to gain additional insight into the transportation needs and resources available to the region. While public transportation plays a significant role in regional mobility, it is far from the only transportation provider. As such, we will be reaching out to many organizations that provide transportation services or support for transportation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mobility resources available within East Texas communities. All residents are encouraged to take the community survey by clicking here . If you are interested in participating in a focus group, you’ll have the opportunity to let us know at the end of the survey. If you are an organization that serves any of the target populations listed above, have not received a stakeholder survey, and would like to complete a stakeholder survey and/or receive materials to distribute to those you serve, click here to send us your request . Make sure you include your email address so we can respond.
