As warmer springtime weather brings out more pedestrians and bicyclists, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is launching a new “Be Safe. Drive Smart” safety campaign aimed at preventing collisions between motor vehicles and others sharing roadways.

According TxDOT, pedestrians and bicyclist fatalities account for one in five of all traffic deaths. In 2024, the most recent complete year for which data is available, 772 pedestrians and 80 bicyclists were killed on Texas roadways.

Overall, there were 6,095 crashes involving pedestrians and 2,761 crashes involving bicyclists, TxDOT said in announcing the program.

“We continue to see an increase in the number of crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists each year,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “All of us share a responsibility to watch out for each other, but people on foot or riding a bike are most at risk for serious injury — or worse — in a crash with a car. That means drivers must be extra vigilant.”

The Department of Transportation has providing safety tips to protect vulnerable road users.

Motorists are advised to stop and yield for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks; give bikes space and pass at a safe distance; yield when turning and always look twice for pedestrians and cyclists; and follow the posted speed limit and adjust your speed to conditions.

For pedestrians, the tips include crossing the street only at crosswalks and intersections. Stick to sidewalks, but if none exists, walk facing traffic on the left side unless it is obstructed or unsafe.

Bicyclists are urged to stop at red lights and stop signs, ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb. Also use hand signals for turns or stops and equip your bike with lights at night, using a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.

“Crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians are preventable if everyone follows the rules of the road,” TxDOT said.

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