TxDOT: Slow Down and Stay Alert in Oil and Gas Areas 

Safety Tips Help Drivers Navigate Challenges of Driving Around Trucks in Energy Producing Areas

 

Oct. 16, 2026

 

Why this matters

• Nearly a quarter of Texas traffic fatalities occur in oil and gas producing regions. The state’s energy sector is vital to the Texas economy, but driving in areas busy with oil and gas activity can be challenging and requires motorists be extra cautious.

 

AUSTIN – Energy powers Texas, fueling the state economy and supporting an industry Texans value. But this economic engine also shifts more trucks onto rural highways, making it important for everyone to remember valuable safety tips when driving.

 

Through limited visibility and less room on the road, trucks can bring more challenges for drivers, and the energy sector has seen an outsized amount of traffic fatalities compared to other areas. It’s something the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has focused on, investing billions of dollars in safety and congestion relief projects.

 

While traffic fatalities did decrease 16% last year, it’s important to stay extra cautious when traveling through these regions and always drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.

 

Crash statistics

• In 2025, 77,258 traffic crashes occurred in Texas’ five main energy regions—the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, Barnett Shale, Anadarko Basin and the Haynesville/Bossier Shale.
• In those crashes, 860 people lost their lives, accounting for 23% of the state’s total traffic fatalities in 2025.
• Speeding and distracted driving were the top two factors contributing to crashes in oil and gas areas.

 

Safety tips

TxDOT offers these important reminders for driving safely in energy producing areas:

• Drive a safe speed. Follow posted speed limits and adjust your driving to match road conditions.
• Stay alert and focus 100% on driving. Put your phone away: no talking or texting when behind the wheel.
• Give large trucks plenty of space. Be patient and pass trucks only when it’s safe and legal to do so.
• Maintain a safe following distance. Tailgating is a common factor contributing to traffic crashes.
• Avoid trucks’ blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in the truck’s side mirror, the driver can’t see you or your vehicle.
• Always get a sober ride. Any amount of alcohol or other drugs is enough to impair your judgment.
• Obey all stop signs and traffic signals. They’re not suggestions!
• Always buckle up. That includes drivers and passengers, day and night, every ride.

 

To promote these safety messages, TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign will bring an interactive traffic safety exhibit to high school football games in the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale and Haynesville-Bossier Shale throughout October. The mobile exhibit will feature quizzes, games and video displays that remind motorists to slow down and stay focused when driving in energy regions.

 

“Be Safe. Drive Smart” is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.

 

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of Aug. 7, 2026. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.

 

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail and public transportation across the state. Connecting You with Texas