• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

To Honor and Protect the Ranching Way of Life

  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Why Join
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • Partners
    • FAQs
    • Newsroom
    • Sponsorships
    • Employment
  • What We Do
    • Theft and Law
    • Issues and Policy
    • Education
    • Students and Young Professionals
    • The Cattleman Magazine
    • Disaster Relief Fund
    • Cattle Raisers Insurance
    • Cattle Raisers Trading Co
  • Events
    • Cattle Raisers Convention
    • Summer Meeting
    • Policy Conference
    • Ranch Gatherings
    • Ranching 101
  • Join
  • Member Center
  • TSCRA Store
  • Show Search
Hide Search

TxDOT distributes more resources to energy sectors, reminds motorists to 'Be Safe. Drive Smart"

Source: Texas Department of Transportation

In an effort to address traffic crashes and roadway conditions in the increasingly busy energy sectors of the state, the Texas Department of Transportation is continuing its ongoing “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” safety awareness campaign while also allocating more resources to these heavily impacted areas.

“Energy exploration and production continue to boost the state’s economy, but it’s imperative that safety remains a top priority in these regions,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “This year, in addition to our traditional funding for roadway repairs and upkeep, we will have additional money to put forth an even greater effort.”

In November, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 1, which redirects a portion of oil and gas tax revenues into the State Highway Fund. Portions of that $1.74 billion will be disbursed to the state’s energy impacted areas to allow for road resurfacing, the building of passing lanes, ongoing maintenance and other roadway improvements.

Additionally, TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” driver education campaign uses billboards, gas pumps and other avenues to remind drivers to be safe when sharing the road with increased traffic, work crews and heavy, commercial trucks. “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” reminds drivers to:

  • Always buckle up.
  • Pay attention. Minimize distractions, including talking or texting on cell phones.
  • Give trucks space.
  • Drive a safe speed that takes traffic, road conditions and weather into account.
  • Stop for all stop signs and red lights.
  • Pass carefully.

Energy Sector Improvements

In September, TxDOT began a “surge” effort to combat road deterioration in energy-production areas. The effort focused on combining and rapidly deploying resources from around the state to address significant maintenance issues caused by heavy truck traffic in energy sector areas of the state. Recent improvements and work include:

  • Road repairs on US 190 in Crockett County; RM 2469 in Irion County; and RM 2401 in Glasscock County where San Angelo crews were assisted by Lubbock, Childress, Brownwood, Tyler, Fort Worth and Houston crews.
  • FM 652 in Loving County from the Pecos River to the New Mexico State Line. This 11-mile project incorporated daily work zones of shorter distances designed to ensure the safety of drivers. A TxDOT crew from Wichita Falls and Abilene assisted the local Odessa crew to repair the roadway’s damaged edges.
  • FM 1334 in Wilson and Atascosa counties. A crew from TxDOT’s Austin district assisted crews from San Antonio in repairing this damaged stretch of road while other San Antonio crews focused on additional road repairs in Atascosa County.
  •  FM 1916 in Dimmitt County just south of Carrizo Springs. Crews from Corpus Christi and Waco spent two weeks assisting local Laredo crews with the widening and repair of this road, which was damaged from heavy energy sector activity.

In 2013 there were 148,612 crashes and 1,338 traffic deaths in the state’s five energy sectors. The number of crashes represents an increase of 7 percent from 2012 while the number of fatalities was up 4 percent. Preliminary 2014 data shows an increase in both fatalities and crashes in the energy sectors.

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 12,000 employees are committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system, addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities, and being a Best in Class state agency. Find out more at TxDOT.gov.

Written by:
kristin
Published on:
February 2, 2015

Categories: General

Recent Posts

Nominations now being accepted for the Texas Environmental Stewardship Award Program

May 15, 2025

FORT WORTH, Texas (May 15, 2025) – Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, in …

Continue Reading about Nominations now being accepted for the Texas Environmental Stewardship Award Program

TSCRA supports STOP Screwworms Act to protect U.S. cattle herd

May 14, 2025

In response to the introduction of the STOP Screwworms Act by Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Tony …

Continue Reading about TSCRA supports STOP Screwworms Act to protect U.S. cattle herd

Crime watch: Cattle missing in Grayson County

May 13, 2025

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Randolph McGee, District 11 in …

Continue Reading about Crime watch: Cattle missing in Grayson County

Footer

Who We Are

Why Join
Leadership
Staff
Partners
FAQs
Newsroom
Sponsorships
Employment

What We Do

Theft and Law
Issues and Policy
Education
Students and Young Professionals
The Cattleman Magazine
Cattle Raisers Insurance
Cattle Raisers Trading Co.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Information

Cattle Raisers Blog
News Releases
Bereavements
Events
Sponsorships & Advertisement
Tip Hotline
Get Involved
Links

Membership

Membership Center
Membership Center Instructions
Join
Renew
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

PO BOX 101988
FORT WORTH, TX 76185

1-800-242-7820

© 2023 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; All Rights Reserved.

COPYRIGHT | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE