Safety Concerns Grow on Abilene's Loop 322 After 66 Crashes

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Loop 322 in Abilene, Texas has seen a concerning spike in accidents over the past year, with 66 crashes and one fatality reported. Despite the speed limit being lowered from 75 to 65 mph earlier this year, many drivers are still treating the loop like a high-speed raceway, weaving between lanes and driving well above the new limit. Local authorities have not increased patrol presence on the loop, leaving residents worried about the growing safety risks.

Why it matters

Loop 322 is a major thoroughfare that circles Abilene, the 'Key City' of the region. It's a road that the entire community relies on for their daily commutes and errands. The high number of crashes poses a serious threat to public safety and raises concerns about the ability of the city and state to properly manage and enforce speed limits on this critical piece of infrastructure.

The details

According to the Abilene Police Department, there have been 66 crashes and one fatality on Loop 322 over the past 12 months. Despite the speed limit being lowered from 75 to 65 mph in early March, many drivers continue to treat the loop like a racetrack, with the author noting they frequently see vehicles 'blasting past' at high speeds during all times of day. The author also says they rarely see a consistent police presence on the loop, raising questions about the lack of enforcement efforts.

• In early March 2026, the speed limit on Loop 322 was lowered from 75 to 65 mph.
• Over the past 12 months, there have been 66 crashes and one fatality on Loop 322.

What’s next

Local authorities will need to consider increasing patrol presence on Loop 322 to enforce the new lower speed limit and address the growing safety concerns. Community education campaigns may also be necessary to encourage drivers to slow down and be more cautious on this stretch of road.