ATLANTA – Fall and winter months bring shorter days and less light, making it harder for drivers to see—and safely avoid—pedestrians. October saw the highest number of pedestrian crashes in 2022. That’s why TxDOT is using National Pedestrian Safety Month to continue its “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign and remind Texans that pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users.
When he was 6 years old, Misael Rico was walking to school with his mother when a distracted driver crashed into them, dragging him underneath the car. That night, doctors told his parents he might never walk or talk again. After countless surgeries and years of physical therapy, Rico started college this year, and joins TxDOT to urge drivers to pay attention and watch for people walking.
In the Atlanta District in 2022, there were 35 traffic crashes involving pedestrians, resulting in 8 fatalities and 15 serious injuries.
“The upcoming months with less daylight can be challenging. Drivers may struggle to spot pedestrians they would’ve more easily seen just weeks earlier,” said Atlanta District Engineer Rebecca Wells. “We encourage drivers to be extra vigilant, and we encourage pedestrians to make sure they are visible by wearing light/reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight.”
Only 1% of crashes in Texas involve pedestrians, yet they make up 19% of all traffic deaths. In the last five years, pedestrian traffic fatalities in Texas increased 29.6%, reflecting nationwide trends. In 2022, 5,764 traffic crashes involving pedestrians occurred in Texas, resulting in 829 deaths and 1,526 serious injuries.
“As we shift to fewer hours of daylight, it’s up to drivers and pedestrians to adapt and help keep our roads safe,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Motorists need to stay alert and look for people walking, and pedestrians can take measures to be seen by drivers who may be inattentive behind the wheel.”
TxDOT’s campaign includes TV and radio spots, billboards and digital advertising. TxDOT will also bring more than 30 walking billboards—street teams wearing sandwich boards—to towns that saw the highest numbers of fatalities from pedestrian-related traffic crashes. The street teams will be deployed to put pedestrian safety messages front and center in places where vehicles and pedestrians share the road.
TxDOT encourages everyone to follow these safety tips to prevent a deadly encounter:
For drivers:
● Stop and yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
● When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
● Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles that can block your view of pedestrians.
● Pay attention and put your phone away so you’re prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
● Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions.
For people walking: