Pedestrian Safety in Texas

Walking is a great form of exercise and for those without a vehicle, it may be the main way they get from place to place. However, being a pedestrian is not necessarily a safe practice, especially in Texas.

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are on the rise. In 2022, 922 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed in accidents. That amounted to 20% of traffic fatalities in the state. From 2018 to 2022, this is a 30% increase in deaths.

What is causing this increase? People seem to be in a hurry, even more than ever. Motorists fail to yield at stop signs and crosswalks, seriously injuring and killing pedestrians and their dogs. This happened to one Texas woman, whose dog ran in front of a Ford Mustang to save her life. The woman did survive, but not without a major cost. She underwent multiple surgeries including back surgery, hip replacement, and rotator cuff shoulder surgery. She also did physical therapy for several years to relieve pain and regain movement.

Pedestrians and bicyclists should not be getting hit by cars on a regular basis. Both motorists and pedestrians should understand Texas laws. Drivers are required to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. They must also yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists when turning. They must pass bicyclists at a safe distance and give them adequate room.

Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic signs and signals, just like motorists. This means they must stop at red lights and stop signs. Those who ride bikes must use hand signals when turning or stopping. They must also ride with traffic and use bike lanes.

Pedestrians must always use sidewalks and cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks. They should also obey all traffic and crosswalk signals.

Here are some other pedestrian safety tips:

• Look both ways. Before crossing any street, look left, right, and then left again to ensure no vehicles are approaching.
• Make eye contact. When crossing in front of a vehicle, try to make eye contact with the driver to ensure they see you.
• Stay visible. If walking at night or in low visibility conditions, wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight to increase your visibility to drivers.
• Avoid distractions. Stay focused while walking and avoid distractions such as using your phone or listening to loud music. These distractions can prevent you from noticing cars and other dangers.
• Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and be predictable in your movements. Avoid sudden changes in direction or darting out into traffic.
• Use extra caution in parking lots. Parking lots can be particularly hazardous, so exercise caution and watch for cars backing out of parking spaces.

 Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

We all have the right to use public roadways, but motorists often think they always have the right of way. This puts pedestrians and other road users at risk.

Pedestrians can experience serious injuries in a crash. If you or a loved one has been affected, seek legal help from a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We’ll work hard to ensure you get full and fair compensation. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call 281-347-3247.

Source:

wfaa.com/article/traffic/texas-driving-pedestrian-safety-rules-txdot-resident-woman-advocates/287-95110c63-85a5-40f5-860f-5bcd8fc6e146