Texas Department of Transportation Urges Drivers to Slow Down and Stay Alert in Oil and Gas Regions
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
The Texas Department of Transportation launched its statewide “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign Friday, October 16, 2026 urging motorists to reduce their speed and stay alert while traveling through oil and gas producing regions.
The message carries relevance for Maverick County and other South Texas communities where motorists share roads with commercial trucks and equipment supporting the energy industry.
According to TxDOT, 77,258 traffic crashes occurred in Texas’ five main energy producing regions in 2025, resulting in 860 fatalities.
Those deaths accounted for 23 percent of all traffic fatalities statewide, nearly one in four.
The regions include the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, Barnett Shale, Anadarko Basin and Haynesville/Bossier Shale.
Failure to control speed and driver inattention ranked as the top two contributing factors to crashes in those areas, according to the agency.
Energy exploration and production require large trucks and heavy machinery to travel along roads also used by residents, workers and other motorists.
Increased truck traffic can limit visibility and leave drivers with less room to maneuver.
Through the campaign, TxDOT is encouraging motorists to recognize those challenges and exercise additional caution around commercial vehicles.
should travel at a safe speed for road and traffic conditions, keep their attention on the roadway and allow adequate space around trucks and heavy equipment.
The campaign emphasizes that safe driving requires motorists to anticipate changing conditions and give themselves enough time to respond.
As Texas’ energy industry continues supporting economic activity across the state, TxDOT is reminding drivers that slowing down and staying alert can help prevent deadly crashes on the roads serving those regions.
