Lubbock, TX (April 22, 2025) – Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision that occurred Monday afternoon near Shallowater, where a tragic two-vehicle crash claimed the life of a 21-year-old man.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the incident happened on FM 1294 at its intersection with US 84. Authorities reported that a vehicle traveling west on FM 1294, driven by Raymond Gonzales, 20, of Lubbock, approached a stop sign before entering the intersection. At that moment, a southeast-bound vehicle on US 84, driven by Antonia Gallegos, 31, of Clute, collided with the first vehicle.
Andrew Perez, a passenger in Gonzales’ vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Gonzales sustained critical injuries and was transported to University Medical Center for treatment. Gallegos and her passenger also received medical attention for minor injuries and were taken to UMC for further evaluation.
Officials confirmed that neither Perez nor Gonzales were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.
Our thoughts are with the family of Andrew Perez and all those affected by this devastating accident.
Intersections and Seatbelt Safety in Rural Texas
Rural intersections like FM 1294 and US 84 often pose serious risks due to visibility limitations, high-speed travel, and less robust traffic control measures compared to urban areas. Despite having designated signage, such as stop signs, these crossings require drivers to make critical decisions with limited margin for error.
In many rural parts of Texas, intersection collisions remain a leading cause of fatal and serious injury crashes. The approach to US 84, a heavily traveled corridor, demands caution as vehicles frequently travel at highway speeds. Failing to yield, misjudging distance, or experiencing momentary distraction can have irreversible consequences in such settings.
This crash also highlights the continued importance of seatbelt usage. The absence of seatbelts in this incident contributed significantly to the severity of injuries. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, nearly half of all fatalities on Texas roadways involve unrestrained occupants. Wearing a seatbelt remains one of the simplest and most effective measures to prevent fatal injuries during collisions.
Communities across West Texas continue to advocate for enhanced public awareness campaigns and rural traffic safety enforcement. Still, personal responsibility—such as consistently using seatbelts and driving attentively at intersections—remains vital in saving lives.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
