North Texas Sees Significant Decline in Traffic Fatalities as Regional Safety Efforts Gain Momentum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brian Wilson
 (817) 704-2511
bwilson@nctcog.org

April 22, 2026 (Arlington, Texas) – North Texas is seeing real progress in the fight against traffic fatalities. Encouraging new data released recently by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) shows that roadway safety efforts across the Dallas-Fort Worth region are making a measurable impact. 

Between 2023 and 2025, the number of fatal crashes and fatalities across the region declined significantly. In 2023, there were 804 fatal crashes, resulting in 859 deaths. By 2025, those numbers dropped to 691 fatal crashes and 734 fatalities, an overall decrease of approximately 14% in both categories.

“The improvement shows that coordinated safety efforts, strategic investments and increased public awareness are making a tangible difference on North Texas roadways,” said Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG’s Senior Program Manager for Congestion Management and System Operations. “While this recent decline in fatalities is a positive sign, roadway safety remains a critical priority requiring ongoing attention and action.”

NCTCOG works with regional stakeholders and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on identifying and funding projects designed to reduce crashes, prevent injuries and save lives.

A key component of this coordination is the implementation of the NCTCOG Roadway Safety Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating all roadway fatalities by 2050. The plan uses detailed safety analysis to identify high-risk crash types and locations, enabling targeted engineering improvements and safety countermeasures.

A $57 million safety program approved by the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) is intended to boost safety across the region by funding initiatives focused on making improvements for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. 

While long-term strategies provide a roadmap for eliminating fatalities, achieving that goal ultimately depends on the everyday choices drivers make behind the wheel. Distracted Driving Awareness Month, observed every April, serves as an important reminder that individual actions – like staying focused and distraction-free – play a critical role in improving safety across North Texas roadways. Supporting this effort, Drive Aware North Texas is an educational campaign and resource developed by NCTCOG dedicated to addressing negative driver behaviors that contribute to serious-injury and fatal crashes, offering helpful tips and educational materials on the dangers of speeding, distraction and impairment.

Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from the road, such as:

• Texting or talking on a phone (hands-free or handheld)
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting navigation, radio, or temperature controls
• Grooming
• Reading or watching videos
• Interacting with vehicle passengers

Even hands-free technologies can impair focus, and no form of distracted driving is risk-free. Learn more at DriveAwareNTX.org. 

While distracted driving remains a critical focus, it’s not the only area where heightened awareness can save lives. With more drivers on the road and construction activity increasing this time of year, roadway safety in work zones has become especially important. National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20–24) serves as a reminder to stay alert and protect both road workers and fellow drivers.

Drivers can help improve safety in work zones by slowing down and following posted speed limits, merging only when directed, avoiding distractions and maintaining a safe following distance. To plan ahead, drivers are encouraged to check for work zones along their routes at DriveTexas.org.

Roadway safety extends to every corner of the transportation system, including interactions with pedestrians and bicyclists. NCTCOG’s Look Out Texans campaign reinforces this shared responsibility by encouraging drivers to stay alert and watch for those who may be walking or biking nearby. For safety tips, visit LookOutTexans.org.

About the Regional Transportation Council: 
The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) of the North Central Texas Council of Governments has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) policymaking body for regional transportation planning in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1974. The MPO works in cooperation with the region’s transportation providers to address the complex transportation needs of the rapidly growing metropolitan area. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area includes Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise counties. The RTC’s 45 members include local elected or appointed officials from the metropolitan area and representatives from each of the area’s transportation providers. More information can be found at NCTCOG.org.