More 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas
The Austin American-Statesman’s comprehensive investigation sheds light on the decline of commercial vehicle inspections in Texas, highlighting alarming trends and the consequences for road safety. On a routine morning, Austin police Sgt. Doug Floyd’s inspection of an 18-wheeler hauling rock exemplified the meticulous work needed to ensure commercial vehicles’ safety compliance. Inspections like these, focused on brake functionality, suspension integrity, and driver sobriety, are crucial given the increasing number of commercial vehicles on Texas roads. However, the Statesman’s analysis reveals a sharp reduction in inspections, exacerbating safety concerns.
Texas’ booming economy and population growth have led to a surge in commercial vehicles. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported an “ever-growing” number of commercial vehicle crashes , spotlighting the critical role of inspections. The Statesman’s inquiry was spurred by a tragic crash in Bastrop involving a concrete pump truck, which killed two people, including a preschooler. The driver of the truck was operating illegally, underscoring the dangers of insufficient oversight.
State data analyzed by the Statesman indicates a 20% statewide decline in random roadside inspections over the past decade. Regions like Central Texas have seen even steeper reductions. DPS’ inspection rate peaked in 2012 with 32,000 annual probes per region but fell to 16,000 by 2020. Factors contributing to this drop include staffing shortages and the reallocation of DPS resources to border security initiatives like Operation Lone Star, ordered by state leadership. These resource diversions have left Texas roads less monitored, raising safety concerns among officials and advocates.
Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett criticized these shifts as “bad governance,” while DPS acknowledged the issue and plans to request additional funding from the Legislature. The decline in inspections has coincided with an increase in crashes involving commercial vehicles—rising to 39,000 annually in 2023, compared to 33,000 in 2014. Fatal crashes have remained consistently high, averaging 500 to 600 annually.
The inspection decline is particularly stark in local law enforcement agencies. For instance, Austin’s commercial vehicle inspection unit has dwindled from 18 officers to just five. Similarly, the Travis County sheriff’s office reduced its inspections from 1,200 annually to just 360 last year. These decreases come despite a surge in commercial vehicles, which grew from 340,000 in 2013 to 459,000 in 2023. Trade with Mexico and the state’s oil production boom have further amplified the number of trucks on Texas roads, increasing the urgency for robust oversight.
The DPS, which employs the majority of the state’s certified inspectors, faces significant staffing challenges. Its Odessa office, for example, reports a 38% vacancy rate. Although state leaders have invested heavily in DPS for border security, the reallocation of troopers has undermined enforcement efforts elsewhere. Transportation safety advocates argue that merely increasing funding will not resolve these challenges unless staffing and resource allocation issues are addressed.
Concrete pump trucks, exempt from random inspections until recently, now fall under the inspection regime following the Bastrop crash. However, enforcement remains uneven. For instance, Region 3 (Rio Grande Valley) saw a sharp rise in inspections, while other regions experienced only modest recoveries. Advocates like James Beauchamp emphasize that without consistent enforcement, compliance among drivers and companies will erode further.
Local initiatives to bolster enforcement include grants for scales and equipment, yet these efforts are insufficient to compensate for the reduction in state-level oversight. Sgt. Floyd’s team, despite being stretched thin, has maintained a high “out-of-service” rate, removing 40% of inspected vehicles and 10% of drivers from roads for severe violations. This rate is double the national average, reflecting the seriousness of the violations encountered.
In conclusion, the Austin American-Statesman’s investigation underscores the urgent need for increased staffing, better resource allocation, and sustained focus on commercial vehicle safety in Texas. As the state’s population and economy continue to grow, ensuring the safety of all road users must remain a priority for lawmakers, law enforcement, and advocates alike. The challenges highlighted by the Statesman demand immediate and coordinated action to prevent further tragedies on Texas roads.
