Pedestrian deaths are continuing to rise in Texas and now account for one in five of all traffic fatalities. In 2019, there were 5,975 crashes involving pedestrians in our state, resulting in 1,317 serious injuries and 669 deaths, a five percent increase in pedestrian fatalities over the previous year. From 2015 to 2019, pedestrian fatalities resulting from traffic crashes increased 18 percent.

The top factors contributing to traffic crashes in Texas involving pedestrians are:

• Pedestrians failing to yield right-of-way to vehicles
• Drivers failing to yield right-of-way to pedestrians
• Driver inattention
• Speeding

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users because they aren’t equipped with protective equipment such as airbags, seat belts, and bumpers. All of us share a responsibility to bring the number of pedestrian fatalities to zero, and TxDOT offers the safety tips below to prevent a deadly encounter.

For drivers:

• Yield right-of-way to pedestrians, especially when turning
• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks
• Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles
• Pay attention and put your phone away as pedestrians may suddenly enter your path

For pedestrians:

• Cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. Look left, right, then left again before crossing
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume drivers see you
• Obey all traffic and crosswalk signals
• Use the sidewalk. If there is not one, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic
• When walking, put away electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road
  

Video

• Pedestrians (English, Español)
• Drivers (English, Español)
  

TV and Radio

• "Tired Faces" TV PSA (English, Español)
• Airbags Radio PSA (English, Español)
• Body Shop Radio PSA (English, Español)

Print

• Airbags Billboard (English, Español)
• Body Shop Billboard
• Airbags Poster (English and Español)
• Body Shop Poster (English and Español)
• Info Card (English and Español)
• Flipbook