The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) urged drivers on Apr. 16 to exercise caution and reduce speed in highway work zones, as part of its efforts for National Work Zone Awareness Week taking place April 20–24. The department reported that in 2025 there were more than 28,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones, resulting in the deaths of 203 people, including seven roadside workers.
The campaign aims to address the risks faced by both workers and motorists amid ongoing road improvements across more than 1,800 active work zones statewide. Most fatalities from these incidents involved drivers or their passengers rather than workers themselves.
“Maintaining a safe highway system requires year-round effort from brave and dedicated work crews,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Unfortunately, work zone crashes happen far too often. It’s crucial that drivers slow down, pay attention and give workers space. It’s the Texan thing to do.”
TxDOT highlighted several safety tips for navigating construction areas: obey posted speed limits; stay alert and avoid distractions such as cell phones; follow instructions from road crews; never tailgate since rear-end collisions are common; and allow extra travel time due to possible delays. Motorists are also reminded about Texas’ Move Over or Slow Down law requiring them to change lanes or reduce speed when approaching vehicles stopped with flashing lights—including emergency vehicles, TxDOT trucks, tow trucks or utility vehicles.
TxDOT operates under the authority of the Texas Transportation Commission according to its official website. The agency manages one of the largest state-maintained highway systems in the nation overseeing highways, bridges, ferries, toll roads and electric vehicle charging infrastructure according to its official website. Its headquarters is located in Austin with district offices across Texas addressing regional transportation needs according to its official website.
In addition to roadway safety initiatives like this campaign, TxDOT is known for preserving cultural heritage through programs protecting archeological sites and historic bridges while promoting community engagement according to its official website. The department also gained recognition for its Don’t Mess With Texas anti-litter campaign promoting environmental stewardship according to its official website.
As population growth continues throughout Texas leading to increased demand on transportation infrastructure, TxDOT focuses on maintaining a comprehensive network that includes highways, railways, aviation facilities and public transit options ensuring efficient connectivity statewide according to its official website.
