ATLANTA, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation is urging drivers to prioritize safety following a significant increase in fatal collisions across nine northeast Texas counties.
Between Jan. 1 and July 12, 52 people died on roadways within TxDOT’s Atlanta District. Officials noted that 19 of those deaths — more than one-third of the year's total — occurred during a single 30-day window.
“These are not just statistics,” said TxDOT Atlanta District Engineer Katie Martin. “They all have families and loved ones. We need everyone’s help to reverse this trend.”
The Atlanta District covers Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus and Upshur counties.
According to TxDOT, the primary factors contributing to these fatal crashes include speeding, motorists failing to stay in their lanes and a lack of seat belt use. Martin noted that the district saw more than a month without any traffic deaths in early 2024, but that progress has since stalled.
“Driving is something we do every day, and because it's so routine, it's easy to forget the risk,” Martin said.
As part of the “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” and “Drive Like a Texan” initiatives, TxDOT is reminding the public of several safety protocols:
- Buckle up for every trip, day and night.
- Put phones away and focus entirely on the road.
- Slow down during poor weather conditions.
- Stop for all red lights and stop signs.
- Move over for flashing lights on emergency or TxDOT vehicles stopped on the roadside.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs that cause drowsiness.
TxDOT is responsible for 80,000 miles of road and supports various transportation sectors across the state. More information on safety initiatives can be found at driveliketexan.com.