Energy Sector Safety Campaign

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 to be extra cautious. Increased truck traffic can mean wear and tear on road surfaces, limited visibility for drivers sharing the road and less room to maneuver around hazards on rural roads and highways. TxDOT's “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign asks drivers to slow down and stay alert in these areas to keep everyone safe.

Crash data

In 2025, more than 77,000 traffic crashes occurred in the state’s five major energy regions. In those crashes, 860 people lost their lives, accounting for 23% of the state's total traffic fatalities last year. The leading contributors to those crashes were failure to control speed and driver inattention. Below is a breakdown of crashes per energy region for 2025:

• Barnett Shale: 20,358 traffic crashes resulted in 201 fatalities and 1,015 serious injuries.
• Eagle Ford Shale: 13,889 traffic crashes resulted in 142 fatalities and 460 serious injuries.
• Anadarko Basin: 629 traffic crashes resulted in 11 fatalities and 40 serious injuries.
• Haynesville/Bossier Shale: 17,256 traffic crashes resulted in 222 fatalities and 797 serious injuries.
• Permian Basin: 25,126 traffic crashes resulted in 284 fatalities and 923 serious injuries.

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. In some situations, the only safe speed may be below the posted speed limit.
• Stay alert and focus 100 percent 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 is 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.