AUSTIN The Texas Oil & Gas Association and TXOGA Insurance Agency last week partnered with the Permian Road Safety Coalition (PRSC) to host their latest Road Safety Luncheon Series in Andrews.
Prior to the start of the luncheon, participants had the opportunity to see a mock inspection of a semi-trailer truck by Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) state troopers, who detailed what items they look for when performing driver and vehicle safety checks in the Permian Basin.
During the luncheon, participants heard from TxDPS Sgt. Steven Blanco, who provided a 2024 Permian Basin Crash and Fatality Update, which found that the region leads the state in the number of crashes and driving related fatalities.
Next, TXOGA Insurance Agency President Neal Carlton and Texas Mutual Vice President of Safety Services Eric Bourquin discussed the impact of road safety on insurance, noting the financial consequences that dangerous driving behaviors can have on companies’ insurance rates. Carlton and Bourquin also highlighted how innovative safety initiatives such as TXOGA Safety Talks can help provide those participating in the TXOGA Workers’ Compensation Safety Group with helpful safety tips and discussion questions for their workforce, leading to improved safety outcomes.
“A substantial amount of safety resources and tools are available between the TXOGA Safety Group, Texas Mutual, and the Texas Department of Insurance, which underscores our shared commitment to workplace safety,” Carlton said. “It’s vital that every worker returns home safely each night to their families and is ready to contribute the next day. Our collective efforts are dedicated to ensuring that every safety measure supports this fundamental goal.”
TXOGA President Todd Staples delivered a keynote address on the state of the Texas oil and natural gas industry, noting that in 2023, the industry paid a history-making $26.3 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties, which helps to fund public schools, universities, roads, first responders and other essential services. Staples stressed that for oil and natural gas to continue being produced in the future, road safety in the region must remain a top priority.
“Safety is paramount in the oil and natural gas industry, and the work of the PRSC is instrumental in reducing crashes and fatalities in the Permian region,” said Staples. “By fostering increased collaboration between industry and government stakeholders to promote safe driving best practices, the PRSC is making our communities safer while also helping to ensure that Texas’ natural resources can continue being produced responsibly for years to come.”
Staples then moderated a legislative panel featuring former Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) and State Senator Kevin Sparks (R-Midland). Dean Craddick and Senator Sparks emphasized the major role of the Permian Basin in providing for the financial well-being of the Lone Star State and the need to provide additional funding for critical infrastructure such as roads and electricity in order to meet growing population and industrial needs.
PRSC Executive Director Ellen K. Ramsey concluded the luncheon by thanking attendees, sponsors, presenters, and partners for their active participation and collaboration with the Coalition to shape the future of the world through commitment to safe, reliable energy production while working to make the roadways of West Texas safer for everyone.
“We can drastically reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on Permian Basin roadways,” said Ramsey. “But getting there will require the ultimate team effort with each of us doing our part, every trip, every day.”
Texas Mutual serves on the PRSC’s board of directors, where TXOGA also serves as an advisory member. The TXOGA Insurance Agency was a proud sponsor of this event.
The Permian Road Safety Coalition was launched in 2015 with a steering committee of volunteer stakeholders who saw a need to improve infrastructure and reduce traffic accidents. The Coalition works to foster a space in which government officials and industry leaders can work together to help prioritize infrastructure improvements as well as promote industry best practices to reduce crashes and fatalities in the Permian Basin.
