High-Speed Crash on SH 191 Leaves Two Critically Injured: A Wake-Up Call for Midland Drivers

Credit: City of Midland

MIDLAND, TEXAS — A devastating crash on the eastbound service road of State Highway 191 has left two young men in critical condition and another injured after what Midland Police describe as a high-speed collision on Wednesday night.

At around 8:38 p.m., Midland Police and Fire responded to the 12300 block of SH 191 where a 2022 Ram 2500 was struck from behind by a second vehicle traveling at a dangerously high speed. The force of the impact was so severe that it propelled the Ram through a cable barrier and onto the main highway lanes, raising serious concerns about the safety of drivers not only on SH 191, but on service roads that are often treated like racetracks.

According to MPD’s preliminary investigation, both vehicles were traveling in the same lane when the second vehicle – still unnamed but driven by a 24-year-old man – slammed into the rear of the Ram, driven by a 44-year-old man. After the impact, the second vehicle veered off the road, plowed through a barbed wire fence, and crashed into a caliche lot.

The 44-year-old driver of the Ram was fortunate to escape with minor injuries. The 24-year-old driver of the speeding vehicle remains in critical condition, and a 23-year-old passenger in his car is fighting for his life after sustaining life-threatening injuries.

This was not just another accident. This was a brutal reminder of the consequences of reckless driving.

Driving Fast Isn’t Just Illegal – It’s Deadly

SH 191, already notorious among locals for aggressive drivers and risky merges, has seen more than its share of accidents in recent years. But this crash is not just another statistic. It’s a wake-up call.

Too many drivers treat Midland’s roads like a drag strip. Excessive speed, distraction, and sheer disregard for traffic laws are a toxic mix that puts every single driver, passenger, and pedestrian at risk. The speed at which this collision occurred turned a straightforward commute into a near-fatal event.

Driving a car means taking on a huge responsibility. It means staying alert, watching your speed, and being aware of others on the road. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B — it’s about making sure you, and everyone around you, gets home safely.

What Midland Drivers Need to Know (and Do)

• Slow down. Just because the speed limit is high doesn’t mean you need to push it further. Limits exist for a reason — to prevent tragedies like this.

• Stay aware. Don’t drive distracted. Your phone can wait.

• Be cautious on service roads. These aren’t shortcuts. They’re often tighter, have lower visibility, and are used by both local traffic and highway transitions.

• Speak up. If you’re a passenger with someone driving recklessly, say something. It could save lives.

• Report dangerous driving. If you see someone speeding or swerving, don’t ignore it. Call it in.

This tragic event underscores a simple truth: Our roads are only as safe as the people who drive them. Let this crash be more than just a headline — let it be the moment Midland starts taking road safety seriously. Because the next crash might not have any survivors.