'Slow down or pay up': Texas law enforcement officials step up anti-speeding efforts

Amethyst Martinez, Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·2 min read
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Operation Slowdown, a statewide anti-speeding enforcement effort, began July 14 and ends July 30.
Operation Slowdown, a statewide anti-speeding enforcement effort, began July 14 and ends July 30.

As speed continues to be the highest contributing factor in Texas crashes, causing one out of every three traffic deaths, the Texas Department of Transportation is taking measures to slow down drivers across the state.

Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign

According to a TxDOT press release, 1,469 people were killed last year due to speed-related crashes. TxDOT has started a speed awareness campaign, "Be Safe. Drive Smart." This coincides with Operation Slowdown, a statewide speed enforcement period.

The campaign began July 14 and ends July 30. Law enforcement officials across the state are "stepping up efforts" to slow down drivers or make them "pay up."

Texas is notoriously known for having some of the highest speed limits in the nation, with speed limits up to 85 mph.

According to the TxDOT, "In 2021, more than 163,000 crashes in Texas involved speed, resulting in 6,493 serious injuries and 1,532 fatalities, up 8% from the previous year."

Last deathless day on Texas roads was in 2000

The press release said that Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roads, leaving an almost 23-year gap and creating an effort known as #EndTheStreakTX. The traffic safety campaign encourages safe driving to curb the daily death streak.

TxDOT's slow-down campaign is being delivered statewide via billboards, gas pumps, radio, social media and more.

Speeding ticket fines in Texas

Speeding ticket fines vary in price due to a variety of factors, such as:

  • County or city jurisdiction.

  • How much over the speed limit.

  • If it occurred in a school or work zone.

For example, Buda's speeding ticket prices include:

  • Speeding (not in a school zone): $134.00 plus $5.00 per mile over the posted speed limit.

  • Speeding in a school zone: $159.00 plus $10.00 per mile over the posted speed limit.

For Austin, Travis County's website provides more information on speed ticket pricing and policies at https://www.traviscountytx.gov/justices-of-peace/jp1/court-costs

Safe driving tips

Some tips the TxDOT offered drivers include:

  • Slow down to match road conditions (i.e., weather, traffic, work zones).

  • Watch for road signs.

  • Always buckle up.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: TxDOT urges drivers to 'slow down or pay up' on Texas roadways