December 2025

NCTCOG Urges North Texans to Drive Safely During the Holiday Season 

This holiday season, North Texas drivers are urged to stay alert and slow down – a reminder that could save lives as crash numbers typically soar around this time of year.

An analysis of crash data by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) revealed that approximately 10% of the crashes the region experienced in 2023 and 2024 occurred during the holiday season (Dec. 1-Jan. 2). In 2023, the region saw 11,970 crashes, 408 serious injuries and 76 fatalities during the holidays. The numbers improved slightly in 2024, when there were 11,579 crashes, 328 serious injuries and 73 fatalities.

NCTCOG is reminding drivers to make safe choices on the road this holiday season through its Drive Aware North Texas program, which highlights resources to encourage safer habits behind the wheel.

Developed by NCTCOG, Drive Aware North Texas is a website dedicated to improving negative driver behaviors that are the leading contributing factors for crashes that result in serious injuries or fatalities. The site provides helpful tips and educational materials that focus on the dangers of speeding, distraction and impairment.

This year’s holiday campaign focuses on impaired driving, reminding North Texans that it’s important to plan a safe ride home. Approximately 10.5% of crashes are caused by alcohol, drugs or other impairments. Choosing to drive impaired instead of using a designated driver or rideshare to get home could cost North Texans. A DWI can cost several thousand dollars and endanger lives.

“During the holiday season, roads become busier and driving conditions more complex,” said Sonya Landrum, program manager of the Travel Demand Management & Transportation Safety Program at NCTCOG. “Our Drive Aware North Texas campaign is about empowering all drivers to slow down, stay alert and make safe choices. When we each take responsibility for how we drive, we’re helping protect our friends, families and neighbors during this busy time of year.”

Safety is an essential part of an efficient roadway system. Drive Aware North Texas encourages motorists to be part of the solution by avoiding certain risky behaviors while behind the wheel. During the holidays, that often involves finding a safe way home before heading out to celebrate. ‘Tis the season to drive sober.  

Topic of the Month

AN EYE ON: Freight in DFW

The Dallas-Fort Worth region sits at the crossroads of some of the nation’s busiest freight routes, where trains, trucks and distribution centers work together, around the clock, to keep products flowing. From moving food and medicine to construction materials and consumer goods, the region’s freight network keeps daily life running smoothly – through the region and around the country.

For December’s Topic of the Month, we take a closer look at the vast world of freight - and the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ role in helping it move along. Read more about the impact of freight in Dallas-Fort Worth here.  

TxDOT Issues Reminder About Standardized Pavement Markings

Crosswalks and intersections that stray from the traditional look are on the way out, following a directive from the federal government.

On Oct. 8, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) issued a reminder that pavement markings on public roadways must comply with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. In a letter to city and county transportation officials, TxDOT states that pavement markings such as decorative crosswalks, murals, or markings conveying artwork or other messages are not permitted unless they serve a direct traffic control or safety function. Any non-compliant markings were to be corrected within 30 days.

The reminder follows the July announcement of the SAFE ROADS initiative by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. SAFE ROADS, which stands for Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies, emphasizes that intersections and crosswalks should be “kept free from distractions,” including political messages, artwork and any other nonstandard markings that may compromise safety.

North Texas Zero Emissions Funding Opportunity Now Open

NCTCOG is now accepting applications for the North Texas Zero Emission Vehicle Call for Projects, offering up to $58.6 million in rebate funding. This funding opportunity supports regional air quality goals and advances the deployment of zero-emission vehicles across North Texas.

The program supports the replacement of existing Class 6 and 7 vocational vehicles such as box trucks, step vans, utility trucks and transit buses, with new zero-emission models.

As part of the rollout for the program, NCTCOG hosted two hybrid workshops this fall to introduce the funding opportunity, review application materials and answer questions from prospective applicants. Participants received guidance on scheduling, technical assistance and resources to support the project development.

The funding opportunity is open, and organizations interested in upgrading their fleets are encouraged to apply before Feb. 13, 2026. Full eligibility details, application materials and additional resources are available at NCTCOG.org/NTxZEV.

NCTCOG Invites Region to Provide Input on Recent Transportation Planning Initiatives 

NCTCOG invites the public to provide input on recent transportation initiatives, including funding opportunities for electric vehicle charging stations and traffic signal improvements, during a hybrid public meeting at noon on Monday, Dec. 8.

The meeting will be held in the Transportation Council Room at the NCTCOG offices, located at 616 Six Flags Drive in Arlington. Those unable to attend in person can view the meeting online at PublicInput.com/nctcogDec25. Residents can also participate by calling 855-925-2801 and entering code 1011. Public comments will be accepted until Jan. 6.

Look Out Texans

Take Care on the Roads this Holiday Season

The holiday hustle is here. Many North Texans are preparing to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones. It is easy to get caught up in the bustle, rushing from one place to the next, trying to get the perfect gift for a friend or picking up an ingredient you forgot for your holiday dinner. But it is important to remember to travel safely so you and others can enjoy your holiday festivities.

Whether you drive, walk, or bicycle, the Look Out Texans campaign encourages safe behaviors, so we can all make it to our holiday destinations safely.

Driver Safety Tips

‘Tis the season to share the road and spread kindness. Remember to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. It’s the law. If you see a pedestrian at a marked crosswalk waiting for traffic to stop so they can cross, it is illegal to not stop.

Also, it is important to avoid distractions, such as texting while driving, to reduce the risk of crashes. Pedestrians are encouraged to wear reflective materials at night; however, drivers must stay alert. If you're not paying attention to the road, you risk failing to see pedestrians. 

Pedestrian Safety Tips

When walking outside, make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. The driver acknowledging your presence helps ensure a safe crossing. The safest place to cross the street is at a marked crosswalk or intersection. Crossing elsewhere increases the risk a driver will not see you. 

Too often, pedestrians and joggers wear dark clothing while outside along roadways in dark lighting conditions. To make yourself visible and help drivers see you in the dark, it is important to wear white or bright clothing and reflective materials. Drivers using headlights can see reflective materials from up to three times farther away.

Why It Matters:

Over the past several years, fatal crashes involving drivers and people walking or bicycling have increased in North Texas. Understanding how pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers should interact on our roadways is crucial for the safety of our families, friends and neighbors. Showing kindness and looking out for one another can make all the difference in keeping yourself and fellow North Texans safe.

For more tips on walking, bicycling and driving safely, visit LookOutTexans.org.

Local Motion is a monthly email newsletter from the North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department. For more information about topics, contact Brian Wilson at 817-704-2511 or bwilson@nctcog.org. Visit www.nctcog.org/trans for more information on the department.

--Imagery provided by Getty Images and NCTCOG.