TXDot “Be smart, drive smart” campaign

HOUSTON, Texas (KIAH) October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to remind drivers to watch out for people walking on Texas roads. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and diminishing daylight hours. With this in mind, TxDOT is launching its “Be Safe. Drive Smart ”this week, asking drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and watch out for each other, especially as Texas residents are on foot to exercise, run errands, walk the dog or access public transport.

The Texas Department of Transportation reports that pedestrian fatalities account for one in five of all road fatalities. In 2020, there were 4,852 traffic accidents involving pedestrians in Texas, resulting in 731 deaths and 1,211 serious injuries. From 2016 to 2020, the number of pedestrians killed as a result of traffic accidents increased by 5%.

To help reduce injuries and fatalities on area roads, TxDOT is launching its “Be Safe. Drive Smart ‘pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign this week.

As Texans make their way to their destinations this fall, TxDOT wants them to know and follow the laws for safe walking, biking and driving. Drivers are required to take specific measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists, who are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. State laws require pedestrians to stop in crosswalks, yield the right of way to pedestrians and cyclists when turning, and pass cyclists at a safe distance and give them clearance. space to roll.

CW39 reporter Sydney Simone has been reporting live all morning on the new campaign.