Construction Site Dust Causes Crash on FM 147: Visibility Issues Lead to Collision Between Thompson and Bearden Near Texas Oilfield

Shelby County, TX —  Construction-related visibility problems contributed to a two-vehicle crash on FM 147, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The incident occurred Monday morning.

Authorities report that a 2020 Nissan Rogue, driven by Latashia Thompson, 47, was pulling out from a private oilfield driveway onto FM 147 when it was rear-ended by a Jeep Limited, driven by Mary Bearden, 58. Both drivers were transported to Shelby Emergency Department for treatment of possible injuries.

The trooper confirmed that heavy dust in the roadway, generated by nearby construction, significantly impacted visibility. The dust resulted from work by Trendsetter Construction, which was building a driveway at the site for Momentum Midstream.

Construction Sites Must Prioritize Public Safety Beyond the Work Zone

When construction companies operate near active roadways, their responsibility extends beyond their immediate work area. While building new infrastructure is essential for growth, it should never come at the cost of public safety.

Construction dust impeding driver visibility is an avoidable hazard—it’s a preventable safety risk. Simple measures like water trucks to control dust, proper signage warning of reduced visibility, or temporary traffic control could have prevented this collision. These basic precautions are not just best practices but essential safeguards for public safety.

Ms. Thompson and Ms. Bearden deserved better protection while navigating a construction-affected area. When construction companies fail to implement proper dust control measures, they put every passing motorist at risk. No driver should have to guess whether it’s safe to enter a roadway because construction dust has created a hazardous blind spot.

A thorough investigation may reveal whether adequate safety protocols were in place and if proper construction site management could have prevented this incident. Both drivers deserve answers about why they were put in harm’s way.

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The Ammons Law Firm represents clients nationwide in personal injury and wrongful death litigation.

Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Information contained in this blog was compiled from third-party sources or is the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if false or misleading information is contained in this post.