Texas Pedestrian Accident Deaths Continued to Rise in 2020
New statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation show that crashes involving pedestrians continued to rise in 2020.
Nearly One Out of Every Five People Killed in Texas Crashes Were Pedestrians
KSAT reported on startling new data from TxDOT revealing drastic increases in the number of pedestrian accidents and deaths recorded in Texas.
In 2020, nearly 5,000 pedestrian accidents were reported in Texas, up 9% over previous years. Additionally, data shows 717 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2020. This is an 8.47% increase from 2019.
2019 saw a total of 669 pedestrian deaths which was 5% higher than the number of deaths recorded in 2018.
Over the past five years, more than 3,000 pedestrians have died in Texas accidents. Pedestrians currently account for 18.4% of all Texas traffic deaths.
What Is Causing the Increase in Texas Pedestrian Deaths?
Over the past several years, Texas has invested heavily in projects that would increase pedestrian safety. This includes $153 million in federal and state funding to upgrade sidewalks, curbs, and striping for pedestrian accessibility and mobility since 2015.
TxDOT also awarded $116 million in grant funding to support locally sponsored projects to provide safe routes to schools, multiuse pathways, sidewalks, and bike paths over the same period.
So why have pedestrian deaths continued to rise in Texas?
TxDOT cites several leading causes for pedestrian accidents on our state’s roadways:
- Motorists failing to yield right of way
- Distracted driving
- Driving too fast
- Drunk driving
- Pedestrians failing got follow traffic safety laws
- Pedestrians crossing streets at locations other than marked crosswalks and intersections
Because pedestrians lack protective equipment like airbags and seatbelts, they are much more likely to suffer serious injury or death in an accident. When struck by a 4,000 vehicle, there is little hope that a pedestrian will be spared injury.
Protecting Texas Pedestrians from Accidents and Injuries
Whether a pedestrian or driving a vehicle, there are steps we can take to ensure our roads are safe. We must all do our part to prevent pedestrian accidents.
TxDOT recommends drivers take the following steps to prevent deadly pedestrian accidents:
- When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, even if there is no stop sign.
- Be careful when passing stopped buses and other passenger vehicles.
- Put your phone away and pay attention.
- Obey the speed limit.
- Adjust your speed based on driving conditions.
For pedestrians, TxDOT recommends:
- Only cross the street at intersections and marked crosswalks.
- When crossing, look left, then right, then left again.
- Obey all traffic and crosswalk signals.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Do not assume they see you.
- Use the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
- When walking, remove distractions. Put your phone away and watch the road.
- Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one are struck by a vehicle, call Thomas J. Henry Law. As a pedestrian, you can do everything in your power to prevent an accident and still be struck by a negligent driver. In these cases, you deserve compensation for your accident and injuries.
Thomas J. Henry Law has experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in offices across Texas, including San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin, Dallas, and Houston. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends to help you. Do not wait and risk your claim to compensation. Call now for your free case review.
