Texas Border Business
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – As daylight hours decrease, pedestrian risks increase. That’s why the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is sharing important pedestrian safety messages throughout the state this month.
By providing compelling data and clear safety tips for drivers and pedestrians alike, TxDOT hopes to prevent crashes, especially during the fall and winter months when pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries tend to peak.
As part of its Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign, TxDOT will deploy street teams of walking billboards to the Rio Grande Valley and other high-traffic areas throughout the state. The key message for drivers and pedestrians is simple: Stay alert, follow traffic laws and watch out for one another.
- In the Pharr District in 2024, there were 222 traffic crashes involving pedestrians, resulting in 27 pedestrian fatalities and 47 pedestrian serious injuries.
Here is data from some of the larger Valley cities:
In 2024, alcohol impairment was reported in 24% of all fatal pedestrian crashes. (Alcohol Related, not DUI-Alcohol)
The top five contributing factors for 2024 traffic crashes in Texas involving pedestrians:
- Pedestrian failed to yield right of way to vehicle
- Driver failed to yield right of way to pedestrian
- Driver inattention
- Driver failed to control speed
- Intoxicated – alcohol
The link below includes pedestrian safety b-roll and soundbites from Brenna Cole-Pickrel’s parents. Brenna was struck by a vehicle and killed while out walking her dog in San Antonio.
What can drivers do to keep pedestrians safe?
- Stay alert, and look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
- Reduce your speed when approaching crosswalks and stop and yield for pedestrians.
- Yield the right of way and double check for pedestrians when turning.
- Put your phone away before you begin driving so you’re alert and prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
- Be cautious when passing stopped vehicles that can block your view of pedestrians.
- Always drive at a safe speed. Driving a few miles per hour over the limit might not seem like a big deal, but it can be the difference between life and death in a collision with a pedestrian.
- Be especially careful if you drive a large SUV or pickup truck. These high-profile vehicles are not only heavy, they also have large blind spots in front that can make it hard to see pedestrians.
What can pedestrians do to stay safe?
- Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks and wait for the walk signal before crossing.
- Look left, right and left again before crossing the road.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume traffic will stop for you.
- Use sidewalks whenever possible.
- Follow all traffic and crosswalk signals.
- Stay alert to your surroundings and put away electronic devices that take your attention off the road.
- When walking after dark, stay visible. Wear reflective materials and use a flashlight.
| WHEN:Tuesday, Oct. 21 and Wednesday, Oct. 22 |
| WHERE: 10/21, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., intersections along S. Ed Carey Dr. (TX-499) from S. Expwy 77 (I-69E) Frontage Rd. to S. Haine Dr. in Harlingen |
| • 10/21, 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., intersections along Dixieland Rd. from W. Lincoln Ave. to Tyler Ave. in Harlingen |
| • 10/22, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., intersections along N 10th St. from Nolana Ave. to Pecan Blvd. in McAllen |
| • 10/22, 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., intersections along W. University Dr. from McColl Rd. to S. 10th St. in Edinburg |
