Energy Sector Safety Campaign

Be Safe. Drive Smart.

Oil and gas production activity can create transportation challenges on rural roads and highways with large trucks and heavy machinery sharing the road with local traffic. 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 2024, nearly 79,000 traffic crashes occurred in the state’s five major energy regions. Combined, these areas saw a slight decline in crashes compared to 2023, yet there were 1,023 people killed, accounting for one in four of all traffic fatalities in the state. The leading contributors to those crashes were failure to control speed and driver inattention. Below is a breakdown of crashes per energy region for 2024:

Barnett Shale: 20,531 traffic crashes resulted in 305 fatalities and 1,030 serious injuries.
Eagle Ford Shale: 14,518 traffic crashes resulted in 173 fatalities and 598 serious injuries.
Anadarko Basin: 629 traffic crashes resulted in 11 fatalities and 27 serious injuries.
Haynesville/Bossier Shale: 17,993 traffic crashes resulted in 214 fatalities and 770 serious injuries.
Permian Basin: 25,309 traffic crashes resulted in 320 fatalities and 915 serious injuries.

Safety tips

When motorists share the road with large trucks and tankers, they may encounter limited visibility and wear and tear on road surfaces, potentially creating hazards that may be difficult to navigate and maneuver around. Following these basic safety precautions may help to save a life:

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. 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 all stop signs and traffic signals. They're not suggestions.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Even one drink is enough to impair your judgment.
Always buckle up. That includes drivers and passengers, day and night, every ride.

Social media images

Print and billboards

Audio and video PSAs

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