HOUSTON – The Texas Department of Transportation is urging drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones this week as National Work Zone Awareness Week continues across the state.
The campaign is focused on preventing crashes and saving lives in active construction areas, where road crews say dangerous driving behavior remains a serious concern.
Officials point to speeding, texting while driving, and erratic lane changes as some of the most common risks.
Drivers caught breaking traffic laws in work zones can face fines that double when workers are present.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were more than 28,000 crashes in Texas work zones in 2025, resulting in 203 deaths, including 7 roadway workers. Officials say most of those killed were drivers and passengers rather than construction crews.
There are more than 1,800 active work zones across Texas, meaning officials say nearly every driver is impacted at some point.
Workers describe frequent close calls on the job. One construction worker, Kyle Baldwin, recalled a near-miss when a driver came close to striking him and his crew while operating heavy equipment.
“It was probably one of the scariest moments of my life with a vehicle bearing at you at 50 to 60 miles an hour head-on with the front end loader,” Baldwin said.
TxDOT spokesperson Danny Perez says crews are often working just feet from moving traffic with limited protection.
“They don’t have an office that protects them; they’re out there. They don’t have four walls when they’re out there, so when the workers are out there, it’s really important to take their safety into consideration. They want to get home, as well,” Perez said.
Officials are reminding drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, watch for crews, never tailgate, and allow extra travel time through construction areas.
Drivers are also reminded of Texas’ Move Over or Slow Down law, which requires motorists to move over a lane or reduce speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted limit when approaching vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside.