At a Glance
- Traffic deaths on Loop 12 dropped 52% in 2025 after speed-limit cuts, new signals, and 800+ tickets
- Citywide, Dallas recorded 53 fewer deadly crashes-a 25% year-over-year decline
- Interstate 35E is now the deadliest road with 14 fatal crashes; Central Expressway deaths rose by six
Why it matters: Safer roads save lives and show targeted enforcement plus infrastructure fixes deliver rapid results.
Dallas began 2026 with a new deadliest street after Loop 12 shed its grim crown. Crash records from the Texas Department of Transportation, analyzed by News Of Fort Worth‘s investigation, reveal a sharp drop in fatalities on the loop following stepped-up enforcement, lower speed limits, and new safety equipment.
Loop 12 Deaths Plunge 52%
TxDOT data shows Loop 12 recorded 13 fewer deadly crashes in 2025 than in 2024, a 52% decrease. The reduction stems from:
- City council and TxDOT lowering posted speeds on portions of the road
- Dallas Police issuing more than 800 traffic tickets on the southern stretch within two months of the speed-limit change
- TxDOT installing new traffic signals at 16 locations to create safer pedestrian crossings and curb high speeds
The decline on Loop 12 powered a broader safety gain. Dallas recorded 53 fewer deadly crashes citywide in 2025, a 25% year-over-year drop.
Reporting Sparked Action
In late 2023 and 2024, News Of Fort Worth‘s “Driven to Death” series highlighted the toll on Dallas streets, especially Loop 12. TxDOT data revealed:
- 105 deadly crashes on Loop 12 in under five years
- At least 479 serious-injury crashes on the same stretch
- One segment where five pedestrians died within 11 months
The coverage prompted State Sen. Royce West to convene town-hall meetings that brought together city and state transportation leaders. The gatherings accelerated plans for speed-limit reductions and enforcement surges.
Pedestrians Still Cross Mid-Block
Despite new signals, News Of Fort Worth‘s reporting shows many pedestrians continue to cross Loop 12 mid-block where crosswalks are distant. Transportation officials acknowledge additional work remains on Loop 12 and other high-risk corridors.
New Deadliest Roads Emerge
While most Dallas roads saw fewer fatal crashes in 2025, two major exceptions surfaced:
| Roadway | 2024 Fatal Crashes | 2025 Fatal Crashes | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 75/Central Expressway | Prior year baseline | +6 | Rise |
| Interstate 35E | – | 14 | Now deadliest |
After News Of Fort Worth documented drivers exceeding 100 mph on Central Expressway, TxDOT and the city lowered the speed limit on a stretch north of downtown. Fatalities still climbed by six.
Interstate 35E claimed the unwanted title of deadliest Dallas roadway with 14 fatal crashes in 2025, according to TxDOT records.
Enforcement Push Continues
Dallas Police told News Of Fort Worth‘s investigators the department issued:
- 3,847 road-rage enforcement citations in 2025
- 921 school-zone speeding tickets
The department credits those efforts, paired with “ongoing Vision Zero initiatives through Transportation and Public Works,” for the citywide crash reduction over the past year.
Key Takeaways
- Loop 12 is no longer Dallas’ deadliest street after a 52% drop in traffic deaths
- Citywide traffic fatalities fell 25% in 2025, saving dozens of lives
- Interstate 35E now leads in deadly crashes, while Central Expressway deaths rose despite lower speed limits
