On March 13, 2026, David Banta was traveling northbound on FM 973 on his way home when a car crossed in front of him attempting to make an illegal left turn from Rio Rojo Way onto FM 973 in southeast Austin, TX. Tragically, David’s motorcycle struck the rear driver's side of the car, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was just 500 feet from home in the Prado Ranch subdivision. This loss is profoundly personal to our community, and it underscores a glaring pattern of danger that has plagued this stretch of FM 973 for far too long.

Since 2021, I’ve been reaching out to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to bring attention to the numerous hazards that FM 973 between River Rd and Tesla Rd poses to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These efforts have not yielded the necessary actions, and now, in the wake of this preventable tragedy, it is imperative that immediate and comprehensive measures are taken. The communities surrounding the stretch of FM 973 near Tesla’s Gigafactory have seen a significant rise in traffic, and with it, a marked increase in accidents, near-misses, and, most heartbreakingly, fatalities.

While I acknowledge that there have been some improvements to FM 973 since 2021, including adding additional lanes and a center turn lane, these improvements have not adequately addressed our safety concerns. The current road infrastructure does not accommodate the increased traffic volume and complexity, particularly with vehicles frequently making illegal and dangerous maneuvers due to insufficient signage and road design. Data indicates that FM 973 is among the areas with the highest number of traffic incidents in Travis County, with statistics from local law enforcement showing a steady increase in accidents year over year. The situation is unsustainable and demands urgent intervention.

I’m done with politely requesting that TxDOT take action. I’m demanding it.

TxDOT must conduct a comprehensive safety audit of FM 973 between SH-71 and Tesla Road to ensure that all neighborhoods and businesses along this stretch of road are included in the audit. Instead of making incremental fixes, we believe it’s crucial to implement a comprehensive road redesign. This redesign should prioritize the addition of well-protected turning lanes, improved signaling and signage, and ensure that the cross streets along this stretch of FM 973, particularly each intersection between Rio Rojo Way and Garden Gate Drive, including Prado Ranch Blvd, are adequately addressed. By implementing these changes, we’re not only prioritizing public safety but also taking a responsible step in aligning Travis County with Austin’s Vision Zero initiative. This initiative aims to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries.

Regardless of the city limit boundaries on a map, we are all Austinites. 

By signing this petition, you are demanding that TxDOT take decisive action to make FM 973 a safer thoroughfare for everyone using it. Your signature can help us urge those in power to prioritize this critical public safety issue now, before more lives are unnecessarily put at risk. Please sign and share this petition to help bring about the change our community desperately needs.