As daylight saving time ends and Texas roads become riskier for pedestrians, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has launched the "Be Safe. Drive Smart" campaign to reduce the rising number of pedestrian fatalities across the state. This initiative responds to alarming data showing that pedestrian accidents tend to spike during low-light hours following the daylight saving shift. In 2023, the state reported 5,921 pedestrian-related crashes that resulted in 807 fatalities¹. Cities like Dallas have been particularly affected, with 661 injuries and 69 fatalities, reflecting a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year². This data clearly demonstrates the dire need to educate individuals on the precautions and programs that bring awareness to road safety. In support of the TxDOT campaign, the City of Dallas has dedicated $27 million to pedestrian safety initiatives to help create a safer environment for everyone. By raising awareness of traffic safety measures, TxDOT hopes to inspire drivers and pedestrians to adopt safety practices that help prevent accidents.
As daylight saving time ends, adjusting to darker early evenings can be difficult and especially dangerous for road users. Research shows that pedestrian fatalities increased by 30% in the weeks following the time change, primarily due to decreased visibility during evening hours³. Reduced visibility in low-light settings makes it objectively more challenging for drivers to spot pedestrians, especially on roads lacking proper street lighting.
TxDOT's campaign emphasizes the importance of practicing hypervigilance and taking preventive measures during these hazardous months. TxDOT urges both drivers and pedestrians to consider their safety tips when driving in the dark. For example, drivers are advised to slow down and ensure their headlights are on during evening hours. Pedestrians can increase visibility by wearing reflective clothing or carrying a source of light when walking in low-light conditions.
The Lisa Torry Smith Act was passed in 2021 after a Texas mother was hit by a car while she was walking her son to school. This legislation mandates that drivers yield to pedestrians and cyclists at crosswalks and establishes clear legal accountability for drivers who fail to do so⁴. However, despite the law's significance, many Texans remain unaware of the new regulations. TxDOT's initiative educates drivers and pedestrians about the importance of this law, making Texans more informed about their rights and responsibilities on the road. The Lisa Torry Smith Act, along with TxDOT's campaign, represents a growing commitment to community safety programs that result in mutual responsibility between drivers and pedestrians.
The "Be Safe. Drive Smart" campaign encourages Texans to adopt mindful practices that enhance road safety and reduce accident risks. Drivers are urged to lower speeds, particularly in residential areas and near schools, and to eliminate distractions like phone use. The campaign also advises drivers to be extra cautious at crosswalks, yield to pedestrians, and use headlights effectively during low-light hours.
Pedestrians can also take several steps to increase visibility and safety. Wearing reflective gear, carrying a flashlight, and staying alert by avoiding distractions are key preventive measures. Making eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and using marked crosswalks can help ensure that drivers see pedestrians before they step onto the road. The campaign promotes these habits to foster a culture of mutual responsibility and awareness, which can significantly improve pedestrian safety across the state.
Specific safety tips recommended by TxDOT to support the Be Safe. Drive Smart campaign include:
The change in daylight saving time coincides with the beginning of seasonal traffic patterns that can further increase accident risks. During colder months and holiday periods, traffic volumes rise, putting both pedestrians and drivers at greater risk. Fall driving safety practices, such as maintaining safe speeds and ensuring clear visibility, become especially relevant as roads become busier. The campaign highlights how community engagement plays a crucial role in creating safer streets. By participating in road safety initiatives and following traffic safety awareness guidelines, local communities can work together to reduce preventable accidents. With Texas ranking among the highest in the U.S. for pedestrian fatalities, addressing the seasonal risks associated with daylight saving time is more critical than ever—the Be Safe. Drive Smart campaign focuses on raising awareness around these heightened dangers and the additional protections offered by pedestrian safety laws⁵.
By bringing attention to traffic safety issues and providing actionable safety tips, TxDOT encourages Texans to take an active role in reducing pedestrian-related accidents. Traffic safety experts emphasize the importance of nighttime driving safety and suggest that ongoing community safety programs can help reduce pedestrian fatalities across the state. By adopting safe practices and supporting local initiatives, Texans have the opportunity to make streets safer for everyone, particularly during the darker months ahead.
¹ Texas Department of Transportation. (2024). Be Safe. Drive Smart campaign targets pedestrian safety. Retrieved from https://www.txdot.gov
² Dallas Express. (2024). City reports rise in pedestrian fatalities. Retrieved from https://www.dallasexpress.com
³ Zong, R., Lee, C., & Mueller, M. (2022). Effects of daylight saving time on pedestrian fatalities: A multi-state analysis. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 9(4), 215-223.
⁴ Texas State Legislature. (2021). Lisa Torry Smith Act. Retrieved from https://www.capitol.texas.gov
⁵ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023). Traffic safety facts annual report. U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov
If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.
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If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.