HOUSTON – If you’re hitting the road across the Houston area or anywhere in Texas over the next few weeks, expect to see more law enforcement watching for speeding drivers.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is launching Operation Slowdown, a statewide traffic enforcement campaign running July 18 through Aug. 2, aimed at reducing speed-related crashes and saving lives.
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As part of TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign, law enforcement agencies across Texas will increase patrols and crack down on drivers who exceed posted speed limits. In addition to issuing citations, officers will spend more time visibly patrolling roadways to encourage motorists to slow down.
The campaign comes as speeding continues to be one of the deadliest driving behaviors in Texas.
According to TxDOT, speeding contributed to more than 150,000 crashes statewide in 2025, resulting in 1,247 deaths and 5,652 serious injuries.
Officials say driving too fast not only makes it harder to stop in time to avoid a crash, but also increases the likelihood that a collision will result in severe injuries or fatalities. Speeding can also lead to costly consequences, including traffic tickets, court fees and higher insurance premiums.
Tips for driving safely
TxDOT encourages drivers to practice safe driving habits by:
- Driving at a speed appropriate for traffic, weather and road conditions.
- Leaving extra following distance, especially during heavy traffic or on wet roads.
- Watching for changing speed limits, particularly in construction zones and school zones.
- Remembering that speeding fines are doubled in active work zones and school zones.
- Buckling up every trip, whether you’re the driver or a passenger.
With summer travel continuing across Texas, officials say slowing down by just a few minutes can make a life-saving difference for everyone on the road.