I-35 Safety Campaign

Texas is experiencing rapid population growth which puts more people on our roads and makes traffic congestion a frequent issue. Among the busiest corridors in the state is Interstate 35 (I-35). Almost half of the state’s population lives near I-35, and this central corridor plays a major role in our state’s economy. Motorists traveling along I-35 encounter many of the state's road construction projects as TxDOT works to keep up with ever increasing traffic demands.

The I-35 Safety Campaign is a component of our Be Safe. Drive Smart. initiative and focuses on reminding drivers to be  cautious traveling along I-35, especially in work zones. TxDOT asks drivers to slow down and stay alert to prevent the crashes, fatalities and serious injuries that occur each year. Too many lives are being lost to preventable crashes and that is unacceptable. 

My35 website

My35 is your connection to latest news, project and road condition updates, traffic camera views and community meetings along all 588 miles of the Texas 1-35 corridor. My35 is a revolutionary and award-winning approach to transportation planning. For more information, please visit the My35 website. 

Crash data

In 2018, there were 20,401 traffic crashes along I-35 in Texas, which resulted in 153 deaths and 471 serious injuries. The top causes of fatal crashes along the corridor were speeding and the failure of pedestrians to yield the right of way to vehicles when crossing the busy highway.

Safety around I-35 work zones is a year-round concern, with road construction and maintenance projects occurring up and down the corridor. Drivers traveling through work zones are likely to encounter concrete barriers, slow-moving heavy equipment, lane changes and vehicles that make sudden stops. In 2018, there were 2,791 crashes in work zones on I-35 in Texas, resulting in 19 fatalities and 59 serious injuries. 

Safety tips

Motorists are urged to use extra caution when driving I-35 especially through work zones. Drivers should expect the unexpected by staying alert and watching for unexpected changes in speed. Following these basic safety precautions may help to save a life:

• Obey traffic laws.
• Drive a safe speed for traffic, road and weather conditions.
• Don't tailgate.
• Be cautious when approaching work zones. Workers and heavy equipment may be only a few feet from your vehicle.
  
• Put your phone away and focus 100% on driving.
  
• Give trucks plenty of space. Be careful passing and only do so if necessary.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Move over a lane or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when lights are flashing on a TxDOT vehicle, law enforcement vehicle, emergency vehicle or a tow truck stopped on the side of the road. 
• Always buckle up, all riders, day and night.