The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working to raise awareness about human trafficking on the state’s roadways. The agency is encouraging both employees and travelers to recognize signs of human trafficking and take action when they see suspicious activity.
TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said, “What would happen if we all know the signs of human trafficking and act when we see it? We can work together to give anyone who travels in Texas peace of mind wherever they go. We know our transportation system can be a conduit for trafficking, which is why we are providing tips to our employees and Texas drivers on how to spot the signs.”
During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, TxDOT has distributed safety messages throughout Texas, including new posters at Travel Information Centers along major interstate corridors. These efforts aim to reach drivers and encourage vigilance.
Employees at TxDOT receive training designed to help them identify potential victims of human trafficking at travel centers and report these cases to law enforcement. This training covers types of human trafficking, common warning signs, how traffickers use transportation networks, and safe reporting methods.
Recently, TxDOT staff participated in “Wear Blue Day” by wearing blue clothing as a show of support for anti-trafficking efforts.
Some indicators that may suggest labor or sex trafficking include workers not being free to leave their workplace, living at their place of employment, arriving and leaving with the owner or manager, showing fear or submission, deferring to another person before answering questions, or having physical injuries or tattoos indicating ownership.
TxDOT encourages anyone who notices these warning signs to report them by calling 911 in emergencies; contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or texting 233733; or reaching out through iWatchTexas by phone at 844-643-2251 or via its website or mobile app.
TxDOT manages transportation infrastructure across Texas—including highways, public transit systems, traffic signals and general aviation airports—supporting mobility and economic growth statewide according to its official website. The agency operates under the governance of the Texas Transportation Commission and maintains an extensive network that links communities throughout urban and rural areas (source).
By remaining alert on the roads and reporting concerns when something seems wrong, TxDOT says everyone can help make travel safer for all Texans.
