Texas roads are for everyone

2 MIN READ

From downtown thoroughfares to quiet neighborhood streets, pedestrians on the sidewalk are just fellow Texans trying to get to where they’re going safely. We all share the road, and Texans know the importance of looking out for one another.

As drivers, we’re probably familiar with the basics of keeping pedestrians safe, like stopping at crosswalks, putting our phones down, and keeping our eyes on the road. But sometimes, the best way to keep everyone safe isn’t so obvious. Here are five ways we can look out for every Texan (and ourselves!) on the road.

1. Get the signal

Pedestrians do the Texas wave, too! Keep your eyes peeled at crosswalks and look for signals indicating someone is about to step off the curb. Slow down and offer a quick head nod, wave, or eye contact to let them know you see them.

2. Practice patience with groups

Like a herd out on a country road, a large group can sometimes take a little longer to cross. When there are kids, strollers, people with disabilities, or even groups on a social bike ride, patience can go a long way to help ease stress for everyone during busy hours.

3. Look out for hard-to-spot folks

When it’s dusk, dawn, or rainy, your neighbors might blend into their surroundings. If there’s a sidewalk nearby, slow down and be ready to stop. Someone might appear when you least expect it.

4. Heads up for people on the move

People don’t always use crosswalks, especially if the nearest crosswalk is blocks away. When you’re on a busy street, ease off the gas and stay aware of pedestrians. Same goes for parking lots!

5. Don’t zoom, give them room

Remember, not everyone may be in a hurry. Just like when we’re driving, walkers can also appreciate the journey instead of rushing to the destination. Be kind and respect their time and space.

We’re all Texans on the road, whether we’re behind the wheel, on two wheels, or two feet. Keeping each other safe doesn’t take much — just a little patience, extra attention, and the mindset that we’re all in this together as neighbors. Drive like a Texan, kind, courteous, and safe.