Energy Sector Safety Campaign
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Energy Sector Safety Campaign

Be Safe. Drive Smart.

Oil and gas activity brings increased traffic and large trucks sharing the road with passenger vehicles in rural areas and adjacent communities. The Energy Sector Safety Campaign is under the umbrella of “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” and focuses on reminding drivers to be extra cautious when driving through Texas energy zones.

Crash data

In 2023, more than 80,000 traffic crashes occurred in the state’s five major energy regions resulting in 1,081 deaths, and 3,578 serious injuries. The leading contributors to those crashes were failure to control speed and driver inattention. Below is a breakdown of crashes per energy region for 2023:

  • Barnett Shale: 20,674 traffic crashes resulted in 271 fatalities and 1,011 serious injuries.
  • Eagle Ford Shale: 14,071 traffic crashes resulted in 171 fatalities and 588 serious injuries.
  • Anadarko Basin: 601 traffic crashes resulted in 8 fatalities and 34 serious injuries.
  • Haynesville/Bossier Shale: 17,903 traffic crashes resulted in 266 fatalities and 979 serious injuries.
  • Permian Basin: 26,792 traffic crashes resulted in 365 fatalities and 966 serious injuries.

Traffic fatalities in the five energy zones accounted for one in four of all roadway deaths in the state.

Safety tips

When motorists share the road with large trucks and tankers, they may encounter limited visibility and wear and tear on road surfaces, requiring extra vigilance to navigate around road hazards. Following these basic safety precautions may help to save a life:

  • 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.
  • Always buckle up - drivers and all passengers, day and night.
  • Stay alert and focus 100 percent on driving. That means putting 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.
  • Obey stop signs and traffic signals.
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

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Print and billboards

Audio and video PSAs

Note: Please open radio PSA files in a new window to listen.

Quizzes