TxDOT launches safety campaign for pedestrians, cyclists in crash prone areas
The Texas Department of Transportation is bringing back its Be Safe Drive Smart campaign to raise awareness for pedestrian and cyclist safety.
There has been a recent increase in pedestrian and cyclist deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 914 pedestrians and cyclists died in crashes in 2023, according to TxDOT. Pedestrian fatalities have been up 22 percent since 2019, and bicyclists up 58 percent, TxDOT wrote in a news release.
These rising numbers highlight the need for stronger safety measures. Here’s what we know about the campaign.
What is the Be Safe Drive Smart campaign?
TxDOT’s goal is to raise awareness across Texas. Whether it be drivers, pedestrians or cyclists, everyone shares the responsibility to foster safe road conditions.
The campaign will feature “walking billboards” in crash-prone areas reminding drivers of the safety rules of the road. Be Safe Drive Smart will ahve a special focus on traffic safety in Texas’ energy sectors, work zones and along the I-35 corridor.
TxDOT is working with the family of Victor Peterzen on the 2025 campaign. Peterzen had just turned 10 when he died in 2020 after a car hit him while he was riding his bicycle in his northwest Houston neighborhood.
TxDOT’s tips for bicyclists and pedestrians in Texas
As TxDOT says, “Know the rules. Save a life.”
For those driving:
Yield or stop for walkers, cyclists or anyone using crosswalks.
Give bikes plenty of distance and pass by safely.
Always check for pedestrians and cyclists when turning.
Obey the speed limit and adjust accordingly.
For those walking:
Always use a crosswalk and obey the signals.
Always walk on sidewalks, but if there are none, walk facing traffic on the left side unless unsafe.
For those biking:
Follow all the same traffic laws and be sure to stop at red lights and stop signs.
Bike the same direction as traffic by using bike lanes or riding as close as possible to the right-hand curb.
Use hand signals for turns and stops.
Put lights on your bike at night, by using a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
Which Texas roads are the most prone to fatal crashes?
A 2024 study from MoneyGeek lists the top 10 most dangerous roads in Texas. Fort Worth showed up twice on the list.
MoneyGeek used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) database, with fatality data from 2018-2020. The latest data in the system is from 2020.
The most frequent cause of fatal accidents — 31% — was speeding, according to the study. Drunk driving accounted for 24% of fatal accidents and distracted driving accounted for nearly 10% of fatal accidents.
MoneyGeek says the top 10 deadliest roads in Texas are:
Beaumont: I-10 from Exit 855A to Exit 849 (a 4 mile distance)
17 fatal accidents
17 fatalities
4 crashes per mile
Austin: I-35 from Exit 238B to Exit 244 (4.9 miles)
16 fatal accidents
18 fatalities
3 crashes per mile
Austin: I-35 from Exit 235B to Exit 229 (4.8 miles)
15 fatal accidents
15 fatalities
3 crashes per mile
Fort Worth/Arlington: I-20 from Exit 443 to Exit 439 (4.8 miles)
13 fatal accidents
14 fatalities
3 crashes per mile
Houston: FM 1093/ Westheimer Road from Westerland Drive to W Loop S (4.4 miles)
13 fatal accidents
13 fatalities
3 crashes per mile
Dallas: I-30 from Exit 52A to 56C (4.9 miles)
12 fatal accidents
12 fatalities
2 crashes per mile
Houston: I-45 from Exit 63 to Exit 59 (4.6 miles)
11 fatal accidents
12 fatalities
2 crashes per mile
El Paso: I-10 from Exit 16 to Exit 21 (4.7 miles)
11 fatal accidents
11 fatalities
2 crashes per mile
Cypress: FM 1960 from Westfield PI Drive to Midway Plaza Drive (4.7 miles)
10 fatal accidents
12 fatalities
2 crashes per mile
Fort Worth: I-820 from Exit 33C to 30A (4 miles)
10 fatal accidents
11 fatalities
3 crashes per mile