Investigations
by: David Barer, Matt Grant, Julianna Russ
Posted:
Updated:
by: David Barer, Matt Grant, Julianna Russ
Posted:
Updated:
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The site of a fatal crash involving a school bus carrying preschoolers — which killed a young child and an adult — had nearly 130 crashes since the start of 2022, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation.
KXAN has reported on safety concerns with State Highway 21 before. In 2017, we found eight deaths and more than 400 crashes over a six-year period — just a few miles west of where Friday’s deadly bus accident occurred. At the time, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials said they would widen the road, lower the speed limit and add stop lights.
But many viewers on Facebook are commenting about what they say are ongoing concerns with speed and reckless driving in the area:
- “[T]hat road is so dangerous!,” one person wrote on KXAN’s Facebook page. “Drivers are always passing other drivers up in the oncoming lanes.”
- “People need to SLOW DOWN HERE,” another person echoed, “that’s why people die.”
- “Hwy 21 is a very fast road to travel on,” said another. “I avoid that road at all possible when traveling to Bastrop from Kyle. Way too many accidents on that road.”
- “They need to do something about this area!!,” another viewer commented. “It’s always on the news, the devastating wrecks that happen that way is just beyond ridiculous!”
KXAN Investigates analyzed data from TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System, collected from the 7.5-mile stretch of State Highway 21 between State Highway 130 and Farm-to-Market 812, from Jan. 1, 2022, until Friday, March 22. We found:
- At least 128 crashes on this stretch of SH 21.
- In four of the accidents, someone died.
- Five crashes involved buses.
The incidents involving buses involved at least three school buses:
- Feb. 28, 2023: Yellow school bus
- Oct. 10, 2022: Yellow school bus
- Sept. 15, 2022: Yellow school bus
- May 6, 2022: Bus type unknown
- April 1, 2022: Bus type unknown
Over a two-decade period starting in 2017 and running through 2037, traffic on Highway 21 from San Marcos to Bastrop is set to increase by nearly 40 percent, according to a TxDOT document.
QN90D 4K QLED vs QN900D 8K: Which is best?
Lululemon’s viral belt bag now comes in new spring…
How to clean a betta fish tank
View All BestReviews
Close
Subscribe Now
Austin-Travis County
SILVER ALERT: APD searching for missing 66-year-old
Man faces murder charge after weekend shooting
GISD receives check from bank to pay off meal debt
APD oversight, officer protections discussed in court
Council picks Dallas city manager for Austin role
UT student killed in crash weeks before dissertation
APA! looks to expand, rebuild Town Lake center
City Council could make pick for city manager soon
CapMetro services could be delayed during eclipse
Which ATX roads could see the most eclipse traffic?
Cats alert, save Texas family from house fire
Group urges Census Bureau for disability count inclusivity
How to share input about possible LGBTQ+ center
Basketball team fundraises to play at championship
ATCEMS: Travis County has most opioid deaths in Texas
After losing eye, woman helps the world see clearly
Willie Nelson moves 2024 4th of July Picnic out of…
Police identify person killed in U.S. 290 crash
Approaching system could bring rain, storms Wednesday
2 injured after vehicle crashes into electrical box
Close
Subscribe Now
More Investigations
Some TX districts fail to report school bus crash…
Austin neighbors ‘batty’ over constant construction
School bus crash site had prior accidents, concerns
Why are judges issuing eclipse disaster declarations?
Paper tag ‘organized criminal enterprise’ busted…
View All Investigations
Trending Stories
Willie Nelson moves 2024 4th of July Picnic out of…
What was the bright light seen over Central Texas?
Sheriff: Deputies won’t enforce immigration law
Paxton blocked from investigating LGBTQ+ group
UT student killed in crash weeks before dissertation
BestReviews.com - Top picks to make everyone happy
The best deals from Walmart’s Super Spring Savings…
There’s still time to save with Amazon’s Big Spring…
The top hidden gems of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
Bioderma skin care is trending during the Amazon…
Best deals under $100 of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
Amazon Big Spring Sale deals – these items are rarely…
Don't Miss
How much of the sun will be eclipsed in your city?
PHOTOS: Celebrities seen at SXSW in Austin
Eclipse events taking place in Austin, Central Texas
Approaching system could bring rain, storms Wednesday
KXAN launches new news podcasts
`;// const firstParagraph = document.querySelector("#main > article > div.article-content.rich-text > p:nth-child(1)");const firstParagraphHTML = firstParagraph.innerHTML;firstParagraph.innerHTML = wwcContent + firstParagraphHTML;}}}// -->