How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Texas?

A driver should never strike a pedestrian. Safely designed streets, attentive drivers and prudent pedestrians can prevent vehicles and pedestrians from crossing paths. Unfortunately, human error and roadway defects can cause pedestrian accidents , injuries and deaths in Texas. Every year, hundreds of pedestrians end up in hospitals due to traffic accidents. Crash data and information can help spread awareness of this problem and increase vulnerable road user safety in Texas.

Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in the Lone Star State. The rate of pedestrian fatalities increased by 0.98% from 2017 to 2018, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. In 2018, 621 pedestrians in Texas lost their lives in traffic accidents. There were 1,116 suspected serious injury crashes involving pedestrians and 5,684 total pedestrian collisions. Texas is one of the top states in the country for its number of pedestrian accidents. Eight of the top 10 deadliest cities in America for pedestrians are in 3 states: Texas, Florida and California. Texas’ most dangerous counties for pedestrians (in order) are Harris, Dallas and Bexar.

Despite efforts by lawmakers and safety organizations, the pedestrian accident rates in Texas continue to climb year by year. Negligence is the most common cause of these collisions, mainly on the part of drivers. Driver distraction, recklessness and breaches of duty can lead to deadly collisions with people walking and jogging around town. Eliminating the top causes of pedestrian accidents in Texas could save dozens of lives each year.

Human error is a major factor in Texas pedestrian accidents. If drivers paid more attention to the road, put their cellphones down and respected pedestrian rights, fewer collisions would occur. City governments can also play a role in pedestrian safety by designing Complete Streets. Complete Streets look out for the safety of all road users, not just motor vehicle drivers. Safety initiatives such as building more pedestrian walkways and broadening sidewalks could bring down the number of fatal accidents.

If you often walk, jog or bike around Texas, make your safety a top priority. Do not assume drivers around you will obey the law or keep you safe. Assume the opposite. Be alert at all times. Always look both ways before stepping off a curb, even if you have the right-of-way to cross. Many drivers negligently or recklessly disobey rights-of-way, cutting through crosswalks or running red lights. Drivers endanger pedestrian lives every day. Take control of your safety by paying attention, watching for cars and obeying Texas’ pedestrian rules of the road.

As a pedestrian, keep to sidewalks and pedestrian paths as much as possible. If a roadway defect or construction zone forces you to walk in the road, walk as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible, in a direction facing oncoming traffic. Obey crosswalk signals and do not walk until it is safe and lawful for you to do so. Make eye contact with surrounding drivers so you know they see you and have made complete stops. Cross the street quickly. For your safety, do not cross the road anywhere other than an intersection or crosswalk.

If a negligent or careless driver strikes you in Texas, you have the right to file a personal injury claim with that driver’s insurance company. Texas is a fault state, meaning the driver at fault for the pedestrian accident will be liable for your damages. A successful claim or lawsuit could repay you for many different accident-related damages. Knowing your rights as a pedestrian can help you go up against a driver or another party in pursuit of justice after a harmful accident.

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