October is the deadliest month for pedestrians
Crossing the street shouldn’t feel like a game of real-life Frogger. But in Texas, it does too often. With the sun setting earlier and Halloween just around the corner, the roads are getting busier. That means the risks of pedestrian accidents are climbing.
It's also one reason why the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is taking a creative approach to saving lives, rolling out "walking billboards" near UT Tyler to grab attention and remind everyone that sharing the road safely with people on foot isn’t optional.
The timing couldn’t be better. October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, but it’s also the deadliest month for pedestrians in Texas. Last year, the Tyler District alone saw 18 pedestrian fatalities across eight counties, many of which happened after dark.
So, TxDOT isn’t just talking about safety; they’re putting it front and center — quite literally — with volunteers wearing sandwich boards and walking alongside students to drive the message home.
Why is October so dangerous for pedestrians?
As Jeff Williford, TxDOT’s public information officer, points out, “One reason is because of the time change, it gets darker earlier, and most of the fatalities for pedestrians happen after sundown.”
When combined with distracted drivers and poorly lit crosswalks, you’ve got a recipe for disaster. The crosswalk on Old Omen Street near UT Tyler is a perfect example. Even with bright, yielding light, drivers sometimes blow right through without a second glance.
The "walking billboards" are TxDOT’s way of saying, "Hey, pay attention. Lives are on the line!"
The campaign isn’t just about signs, though. Volunteers are actively engaging with students and drivers and offering tips on using sidewalks, wearing reflective gear, and putting phones away.
What dangers do pedestrians face on Texas roads?
In Wichita Falls and communities throughout Texas, the roads can be a minefield for pedestrians, as a simple walk can turn dangerous in just the blink of an eye. The most common dangers pedestrians face often include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers glued to their phones or navigation systems often fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections, turning a routine crossing into a life-threatening situation.
- Poor lighting: Many streets and crosswalks lack adequate lighting, making it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, especially after dark or during early morning hours.
- Speeding: Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of crashes, which leaves pedestrians with little chance to react or escape harm.
- Failure to yield: Some drivers ignore crosswalk signals or stop signs, which puts pedestrians at risk when they assume they have the right of way.
- Lack of sidewalks: In areas without sidewalks, pedestrians are forced to walk in or near traffic, which increases their exposure to accidents.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, control, and reaction times. This makes intoxicated drivers a deadly threat to anyone on foot.
- Turning vehicles: Drivers making turns often focus on oncoming traffic and overlook pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Backing-up accidents: Parking lots and driveways can be just as dangerous, with drivers reversing without checking for people walking behind their vehicles.
What can drivers do to keep pedestrians safe?
A little extra caution goes a long way. Drivers should slow down and watch for pedestrians, especially near crosswalks and at night. The next time you see a crosswalk, a flashing light, or even a volunteer with a sandwich board, take it as your cue to slow down, look up, and make sure everyone gets home safely.
With Halloween approaching, the streets will be packed with trick-or-treaters, college students, and families. Now’s the time to brush up on these habits, because no one should have to fear a walk across the street. After all, the only scares this October should come from costumes, not close calls with people on foot and drivers.
Injured? Contact a Wichita Falls pedestrian accident lawyer.
Getting hit by a car isn’t just painful; it’s like being stuck in a maze with no exit, especially when insurance companies start playing hardball. That's why the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Hoover Rogers Law, LLP are here to break down the walls that stand between you and the compensation you deserve.
We know how to turn the tables on insurance companies that’d rather pay you pennies than what you’re truly owed. We have a reputation for building rock-solid cases and fighting for every dollar our clients deserve to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and the pain no one should ever have to endure.
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Serving Wichita Falls, Lawton, and the surrounding areas, we’re the pedestrian accident lawyers who’ve got your back, no matter how tough the fight. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Don’t wait for the insurance company to dictate your future. Let’s take control together and fight for the results you deserve.
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