Texas Border Business
PHARR – Whether it’s catching a fish or smoking a brisket, Texans know the importance of patience. So, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is reminding drivers to use that patience behind the wheel and drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe.
Speed contributed to nearly 160,000 traffic crashes in Texas in 2024, resulting in 1,467 deaths. That is 35% of all traffic crash fatalities in the state, making speed the number one contributing factor in crashes.
“Speeding is not an accident, it’s a choice,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “When you choose to drive even just a little over the speed limit, you’re not only risking your own life,you’re risking the lives of every other person on the road with you and that’s not being a good Texan.”
Law enforcement to focus on speeders
To help prevent deadly, speed-related crashes, TxDOT is launching its Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign that features country singer-songwriter Parker McCollum calling on his fellow Texans to slow down and be safe.
The campaign runs alongside a special speed law enforcement period. From July 18 throughAug. 3, officers across Texas will focus extra attention on motorists who are driving too fast, reminding them to slow down and match their speed to road conditions.
Safe driving means more than just following the speed limit
| Drivers should follow these tips to stay safe and avoid a ticket: |
| • Match your speed to road conditions. |
| • Slow down and allow for more distance to stop when traffic is heavy, roads are slick or road construction is ahead. |
| • Watch for road signs alerting you of reduced speed limits. |
| • Remember that traffic fines double if you speed in a school zone or a work zone when workers are present. |
The Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign 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.
Safe driving means more than just following the speed limit
Drivers should follow these tips to stay safe and avoid a ticket:
- Match your speed to road conditions.
- Slow down and allow for more distance to stop when traffic is heavy, roads are slick, or road construction is ahead.
- Watch for road signs alerting you of reduced speed limits.
- Remember that traffic fines double if you speed in a school zone or a work zone when workers are present.
Statewide Data (2024)
- In 2024, there was a total of 554,139 traffic crashes in Texas, resulting in 4,152 fatalities and 18,218 serious injuries.
- Speed* ranked as the number one contributing factor in these traffic crashes.
- In 2024, speed was a contributing factor in 158,362 traffic crashes in Texas, resulting in 1,467fatalities and 5,921 serious injuries.
- In 2024, 29% of all traffic crashes in Texas involved speed.
- In 2024, 35% of all traffic crash fatalities in Texas involved speed.
*Speed data includes Failed to Control Speed, Speeding Over Limit or Unsafe Speed.
| By Age Group and Gender |
| Of the 159,794 drivers in Texas who were involved in crashes in 2024 where speed was a contributing factor: |
| 726 were under age 16. |
| 45,051 were age 16–24. |
| 37,154 were age 25–34. |
| 25,482 were age 35–44. |
| 15,855 were age 45–54. |
| 10,864 were age 55–64. |
| 5,724 were age 65–74. |
| 2,715 were age 75 or over. |
| 98,919 were men. |
| 47,970 were women. |
LOCAL STATS
- The number of traffic crashes in the *Pharr District in 2024 that involved speeding totaled 8,680. These crashes resulted in 44 deaths and 191 serious injuries.
- From 2023 through 2024, traffic crashes in the *Pharr District involving speeding decreased 4% while fatalities resulting from traffic crashes involving speeding increased10% and serious injuries decreased 3%.
The *Pharr District serves the 8 southernmost counties of Texas.
