Conroe native and country music star Parker McCollum has joined the Texas Department of Transportation's summer safety campaign to encourage drivers across the state to slow down and drive responsibly.
Parker McCollum, a country singer from Conroe and one of Texas’ fast-growing talents, is the newest advocate encouraging drivers throughout the state to slow down.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently featured McCollum in a campaign aimed at reducing speed-related accidents during the busy summer travel season.
Be Safe is the name of the initiative. Drive Smart showcases a clever and engaging video where McCollum unexpectedly joins a driver in the passenger seat, guitar ready, performing a playful rendition of his popular song “What Kind of Man.” Lines such as “You’ve been driving way too fast, and I’ve been thinking that you need to slow down” convey the campaign’s message in a memorable and relatable manner.
“Speeding is not an accident; it’s a choice,” stated TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Opting to exceed the speed limit, even slightly, puts not only your life at stake but also endangers the lives of others.”
TxDOT reported that speeding was the primary factor in 1,467 traffic fatalities in Texas in 2024.
McCollum, a 2011 graduate of The Woodlands College Park High School, often visits Conroe and has headlined the Houston Rodeo three times, with his latest performance in March. He is currently touring to promote his self-titled album, released on June 27.
The initiative aligns with Operation Slowdown, a two-week enforcement effort that commenced on July 18. Collaborating with law enforcement, the initiative enhances patrols to deter speeding on Texas roads through Sunday.
In a playful conclusion to the video, the driver consents to ease off the accelerator and requests McCollum’s autograph—right on the dashboard. McCollum chuckles and responds, “Absolutely, I’ve signed stranger things than that!”
