TxDOT’s Urgent Warning: The Deadly Fate that Awaits Some Texas Pedestrians

Choosing not to drive but rather to enjoy some fresh air and good exercise can be a great decision for your health. The problem here is that there are other factors tied to pedestrians using crosswalks and sidewalks that could be fatal.

You can follow every rule in the book when it comes to road travel, but that doesn't eliminate the risk factor of others sharing the lanes with you.

TxDOT Warning to All Pedestrians

Recently, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) issued an urgent warning to all Texans traveling either on or alongside roads.

In 2024, there were 773 people killed while walking along Texas roads, and as people get out more to enjoy the cooler evenings, the risk of getting hit by reckless drivers is still as high as ever.

TxDOT also stated that October happens to be the deadliest month for pedestrians. In fact, just last October, 89 people were killed while 143 others suffered serious injuries.

Texas Safety Tips for Drivers

TxDOT also supplied some tips for drivers to avoid accidents with pedestrians:

• Always be alert for pedestrians when driving
• Always stop/yield for crosswalks
• When turning, allow pedestrians the right of way before you proceed
• Stay off of your phone and away from other distractions when driving
• Slow when passing parked vehicles—pedestrians could be hidden behind them
• Always follow speed limits and adhere to dangerous conditions

Texas Safety Tips for Pedestrians

When it comes to pedestrian safety, TxDOT has a thing or two to say about staying safe as well:

• Only cross the street at intersections and crosswalks
• Don't assume traffic will always stop for you
• Make eye contact with drivers before you begin walking to ensure they see you
• Put away your phone/headphones when crossing the street
• Wear visible clothing or use a flashlight when crossing at night

Texas is a big state with countless drivers and pedestrians attempting to travel on our roads and highways. It's important to stay safe when attempting to cross. You don't want to become another statistic.