Pedestrian Safety Campaign
Traffic safety campaigns
Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to serious and deadly injuries in a crash. In 2025, there were 5,973 traffic crashes involving pedestrians in Texas, and 694 people were killed while walking. While this was a 10% decrease from 2024, pedestrians still make up 18% of all roadway deaths. Most of these crashes happened at night. In fact, 68% of pedestrian fatalities and injuries last year in our state occurred in the dark. Drivers and pedestrians alike need to stay alert, visible and focused, day and night.
The top factors contributing to traffic crashes in Texas involving pedestrians are failure to yield the right-of-way, distracted driving, and speeding.
No matter how you explore Texas, we can help each other stay safe on the road. TxDOT offers the safety tips below to prevent a deadly encounter.
For pedestrians
- Cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume traffic will stop for you.
- Follow all traffic and crosswalk signals. Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street.
- Stick to sidewalks. If there isn't one, walk facing traffic on the left side unless it's obstructed or unsafe.
- When walking, put away your phone or earbuds that take your attention off the road.
- Stay visible. Wear reflective materials or use a flashlight when it's dark.
For drivers
- Stay alert. Scan for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
- Stop and yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Be cautious when passing stopped vehicles. They can block your view of pedestrians.
- Pay attention. Put your phone away before you begin driving.
- Follow the posted speed limits and drive to conditions.
- Be especially careful if you drive a large SUV or pickup truck. They have large blind spots that can make it hard to see pedestrians.