STRONG WIND GUSTS COULD IMPACT TRAVEL TODAY We can't reiterate the importance of taking caution out on the roadways during a strong wind event, like the one anticipated today across the panhandle! Visibility can deteriorate quickly when dust clouds form (check out US National Weather Service Amarillo Texas picture below). Travel is strongly discouraged in these conditions. But if you must be out on the roadways, please use the following safety tips during a dust storm while on the road: 1. Do NOT wait for poor visibility to exit the highway. 2. Do NOT stop in the travel lanes or on shoulders. 3. Look for a safe place to stop completely OFF the pavement. 4. Turn OFF all vehicle lights, including flashers. 5. Set your emergency brake and take your foot OFF the brake. 6. Stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt buckled. 7. Never get out of your vehicle. Drive safe and check out drivetexas.org for current road conditions!

🚧 Traffic Alert: IH 20 in Midland 🚧 Widen Freeway Project: E of CR 1300 to E of CR 1250 📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, March 19th (7:00 AM - 2:00 PM) 🚗 Lanes Affected: Westbound mainlane and eastbound mainlane left lanes closed (from FM 1788 to CR 1250) 🔄 Type of Change: Multiple left lanes closed + Daytime closure only + Travel lanes reduced to one lane 📍 Mile Marker: 127 to 130 Please plan your travel accordingly and expect delays. Drive safely! 🚙💨

The walk signal is worth the wait. And make sure to cross only at intersections and crosswalks. #BeSafeWalkSmart #DriveLikeATexan

🌬️ High Wind Alert 🌬️ Attention everyone! 🚨 Today, our area is under High Wind Warnings, Advisories, or Watches. Wind gusts could range from 40-70 mph. While these speeds are less than Friday's, they will persist until the predawn hours on Wednesday. This could result in overnight wildfire activity and visibility issues. Please stay safe and take necessary precautions. #HighWindAlert #StaySafe #WeatherWarning #safetyfirst

SOUTH PLAINS: Folks, it’s gonna be another windy one today. Watch out for areas of blowing dust that could limit visibility Help prevent wildfires, by disposing of cigarette butts correctly and by being cautious with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.

PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLISTS MOST VULNERABLE ON TEXAS ROADS TxDOT campaign reinforces state laws to combat rising trend in pedestrian and cyclist deaths _______________________________ March 17, 2025 AUSTIN – On his 10th birthday in 2020, Victor Peterzen received a brand-new bicycle. Just three months later, his life was tragically cut short in a crash while riding his bike through his northwest Houston neighborhood. Sadly, similar tragedies continue to plague our state. In 2023, 914 bicyclists and pedestrians died in traffic crashes in Texas. It’s part of a rising trend in recent years as pedestrian deaths went up 22% and bicyclist fatalities increased 58% from 2019-2023. Nearly five years after his death, Peterzen’s family is working with TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign this spring to remind Texans to follow traffic laws and share the road safely with people walking and biking. “Pedestrians and cyclists are among our most at-risk road users, and too many of them are killed or injured in our communities each year,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “If everyone looks out for each other and follows the rules of the road, we can help prevent these terrible crashes.” TxDOT’s campaign aims to raise awareness among all Texans—drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike—of the shared responsibility to help everyone get where they’re going safely. To support this goal, the Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign is sending teams of “walking billboards” around the state to share vital safety messages in crash-prone areas. Know the rules. Save a life. If you’re driving: ● Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks. ● Give bikes space and pass at a safe distance. ● Yield when turning and always check for pedestrians and cyclists. ● Follow the speed limit and adjust for conditions. If you’re walking: • Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals. ● Stick to sidewalks, but if none exist, walk facing traffic on the left side unless it is obstructed or unsafe. If you’re biking: ● Follow traffic laws and stop at red lights and stop signs. ● Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb. ● Use hand signals for turns or stops. ● Equip your bike with lights at night, using a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back. Be Safe. Drive Smart. 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. The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of November 12, 2024. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT's Traffic Safety Data Portal online.