Freight Safety

Regional transportation safety initiatives are developed to create a safer environment for bicyclists and pedestrians, commuters, first responders, commercial motor vehicle operators and anyone else traveling from one place to another on our roadways. North Central Texas has an enormous volume of freight being transported every day, by semi- trucks and other Commercial Motor Vehicles.  If you own it, a truck probably brought it. 

As the population grows and freight traffic increases to supply the growing demand of consumer product deliveries, the potential for roadway incidents between automobiles and Commercial Motor Vehicles escalates.  Many drivers do not realize that these vehicles have "blind spots" where the driver has no view of passing vehicles. They are difficult to maneuver and the length of time needed to stop is about 40% greater than cars.   Source :   Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

 Stop. Trains Can't.

This is a rail banner of stop trains can't public safety announcement with the phrase being late for work beats never working again

Graphics: Transportation.gov, Federal Railroad Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have launched a national railroad crossing safety ad campaign to increase public awareness around railroad tracks and reduce crossing deaths and injuries. 

Rail Crossing Safety Image of a Car at Rail Crossing BarThis is an image of vehicles stuck in traffic


Freight Safety Initiatives

Goal 
To create a safer environment for freight and passenger movements through physical improvements and safety awareness initiatives

Truck Safety  
Reduce freight-related crashes by 10 percent over the next 2 years by informing the public about driving conditions and safe driving practices around heavy-duty freight vehicles

Rail Safety 
Reduce rail crossing and trespassing incidents by 10 percent over the next 2 years by informing the public about safe rail crossing habits and practices

This picture shows the safest place to be when near an eighteen-wheeler, make sure to stay out of blindspots.This picture shows how much more room truck drivers need to make a turn, so give trucks more space.

Graphics:  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Truck Lane Restrictions
Truck drivers can also help make the roads safer for everyone by following the truck lane restrictions.  Truck lane restrictions limit the lanes used by trucks on certain freeway corridors throughout the region.  In these corridor sections, trucks with three or more axles are prohibited from using the inside left lane, except when passing traffic.  This eases congestion and reduces the number of truck-related crashes on the freeways.

  • The Dallas-Fort Worth region has over 500 miles of truck lane restrictions This sign says, Begin No Trucks Left Lane
    that improve the safe and efficient movement of freight.

  • Thirty-four municipalities in the DFW area have truck lane restrictions.  Visit our web page to find out more.

Statistics

In the past 5 years, on average, there have been 267 truck-involved crashes per month in North Texas.  The number of crashes has increased each of those years.  By understanding the importance of proper driving near and around trucks, navigating traffic will be safer, faster, and more efficient.

Table of CMV crashes on limited access facilities. For more information please contact Jeff Hathcock at 817-608-2354

Since 2000, when there were 67 incidents in North Texas, the number of incidents has been trending downward.  In 2019, there were only 39 incidents recorded.  To continue this important safety trend, drivers and pedestrians should heed safety signals and warnings.

Chart of At-grade railraod crossing incidents 12-county MPO

To learn more about other regional safety initiatives, please visit our Safety web page. 

Staff Contacts:  Jeff Hathcock, Mike Johnson, Dan Lamers