As more people move into Central Texas, cities like Temple are seeing much heavier traffic than before. With its location along Interstate 35, Temple has become both an ideal route for travel and a major traffic hotspot. Sadly, this often leads to serious accidents—like the recent one involving a Marlin police vehicle that flipped after being T-boned at a busy intersection.
What Happened in Temple, Texas?
A Marlin Police officer was transporting a prisoner when their vehicle was T-boned at the intersection of US Highway 190 and Old Highway 95—a well-known traffic-heavy crossing in southeast Temple. The police car flipped over due to the force of the impact, creating a major scene that took time to clear.
In the video captured at the scene, bystanders can be seen helping the injured officer, showing the strength of community support during emergencies.
Why Is This Intersection So Dangerous?
The intersection of US 190 and Old Hwy 95 is particularly risky because:
- US 190 has a 55 mph speed limit, allowing fast-moving traffic to approach the signal.
- Heavy congestion is common due to growing population and slow infrastructure development.
- With more vehicles on the road, accidents are happening more frequently in this region.
This specific crash happened when the Marlin Police vehicle was crossing the intersection and was hit by another vehicle traveling northbound at high speed.
Were There Any Casualties?
Fortunately, no lives were lost. All three individuals involved—including the police officer, the prisoner, and the driver of the other vehicle—are expected to fully recover.
Still, the crash is a reminder of how dangerous high-speed intersections can be, especially when traffic signals are ignored or rushed.
Long Red Lights: A Texas Traffic Complaint
Locals often joke that Texas has the longest red lights in the country. While it may sound funny, it points to a real frustration with traffic signal timing—especially in fast-growing cities like Temple.
Many believe the traffic system hasn’t kept up with the rapid development. As a result, drivers become impatient, sometimes taking risks that lead to serious accidents.