Texas oil regions saw a surge in traffic deaths in 2014 including 272 people who died in traffic accidents in the Eagle Ford. According to TxDOT, this is an increase of 13 percent over 2013, where 240 people were killed in the 26-county region.
Overall in the Eagle Ford last year, there were 3,658 traffic accidents in which people were killed or seriously injured, up from 3,446 the year before. This is a high percentage of the 8,600 accidents reported statewide.
Related: Another Fatal Crash in the Eagle Ford
Roadways have continued to deteriorate over the past few years as more traffic and heavy trucks damage roads and make for unsafe conditions. Over the years, several several efforts have been put into place to address the road conditions including assembling a task force in 2012 and TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign that was launched over the summer.
“The number of deaths have increased. We want to remind folks, especially in the energy sector areas, to watch out for those 18-wheelers. And the same message to those in the 18-wheelers, ‘Watch out for vehicles.’ ”
The San Antonio New Express reports that there is a recent surge in road construction across the oil regions to improve conditions and make things safer. Several projects underway in the Eagle Ford include repairs of $5.8 million to Texas 97, FM 1099 and FM 1344 in Wilson and Atascosa counties as well as widening and repair of FM 1916 in Dimmit County at a cost of $999,000.