As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, the Texas Department of Transportation is highlighting the importance of safe driving with its “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign.
As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, the Texas Department of Transportation is highlighting the importance of safe driving with its “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign. The focus is on protecting both drivers and highway crews, especially as summer road construction ramps up.
TxDOT says work zone crashes are rising across Texas, including in the Texarkana region. In 2023, nearly 28,000 crashes in Texas work zones caused 215 deaths—a 12% increase from the previous year. The Atlanta District, which includes Texarkana, reported 428 crashes this year, with four fatalities and 16 serious injuries.
Distracted driving is cited as a major cause. Charlotte Aslin, a longtime TxDOT employee in Atlanta, stressed how dangerous the job is, urging drivers to stay alert. Her son Garrett, also a TxDOT worker, added that phone use behind the wheel is a growing concern.
Drivers are reminded to slow down, avoid distractions, and follow the Move Over/Slow Down law, which can carry fines over $1,200 for violations.
Teen Sentenced to 25 Years in 2023 Texarkana Homicide
Texarkana Named in National Air Quality Report
Second Arrest Made in 2024 Texarkana Homicide
Man Formally Charged with Capital Murder in Death of 2-Year-Old Girl
Capital Murder Suspect Captured After Being Named to Texas 10 Most Wanted List