AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 44) – Did you know that 203 people were killed in traffic crashes in Texas work zones last year alone? It goes without saying that highway work is dangerous work, with workers often just inches away from speeding traffic.

In honor of National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20–24, 2026) and in an effort to keep our road construction crews and everyone on the road safe, TxDOT has launched a new campaign to prevent crashes and save lives by highlighting safety tips in work zones to help protect workers and drivers.

Texas is a growing state, which means more Texans on the roads, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is meeting that increased demand with roadway improvements underway in more than 1,800 active work zones across the state.

The data

In 2025, there were more than 28,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones, resulting in 203 people killed, including seven roadside workers.

And while workers are at risk doing their jobs to keep us safe, most of the people who died in work zone crashes were drivers and their passengers. Driving with caution through work zones is as much for your protection as it is for the people working.

Work Zone Awareness Week

In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20–24, TxDOT is raising awareness about how to be safe and drive smart in work zones to avoid crashes and fatalities.

“Maintaining a safe highway system requires year-round effort from brave and dedicated work crews,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Unfortunately, work zone crashes happen far too often. It’s crucial that drivers slow down, pay attention and give workers space. It’s the Texan thing to do.”

Stay safe in work zones with these “Be Safe. Drive Smart” tips:

Slow down. Follow the speed limit and adjust your speed to road conditions. Remember that traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present.

Stay alert. Focus on driving, avoid distractions and put your phone away.

Watch out for road crews. Roadside workers deserve to get home safely, too. Always follow their instructions and work zone signage.

Never tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash.

Allow extra time. Road construction can slow down traffic. Plan ahead so you aren’t tempted to speed.

Motorists are also reminded to follow the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law. The law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights activated. That’s not just law enforcement cars, but emergency vehicles, TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks or utility vehicles.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart” is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie, and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.

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