Texas drivers can expect to see more speed enforcement on the roads through Aug. 2
as the state’s annual Operation Slowdown campaign returns.
Texas roads saw fewer speed-related deaths last year, but the Texas Department of Transportation says speeding is still the leading contributing factor in deadly crashes.
According to TxDOT, 1,247 people were killed in speed-related crashes in Texas in 2025, a 15% decrease from 1,472 deaths the previous year. Overall traffic fatalities also declined 9%, but officials said speeding still accounted for roughly one-third of all traffic deaths statewide.
TxDOT’s Operation Slowdown campaign provides extra funding and resources to law enforcement agencies across the state to dedicate more officers to traffic enforcement. The focus is on drivers exceeding posted speed limits or traveling too fast for road, weather or traffic conditions.
The enforcement effort also coincides with TxDOT’s new “Drive Like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe.” public outreach campaign, which encourages motorists to pause and think about the people around them to make safer choices.
“Excessive speed makes any crash more dangerous,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Higher speeds mean less time to react and a much greater risk of serious injury or death. We’re asking Texans to slow down and drive with care.”
TxDOT says safe driving goes beyond obeying the posted speed limit.
The agency also encourages drivers to slow down during bad weather or in construction zones, leave extra following distance in heavy traffic and watch for reduced speed limits in work and school zones.
TxDOT is also reminding drivers that speeding fines double in active work zones and school zones. Drivers can learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
