Awareness campaigns help, but real change starts behind the wheel
As the evenings grow darker and the weather cools, more Texans head outdoors to enjoy the fall air. Yet this time of year also brings a sharp rise in pedestrian crashes, as drivers face reduced visibility and heavier traffic near neighborhoods and schools.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), pedestrian crashes have increased by 25 percent statewide since 2020, with the highest number occurring in October. That’s why TxDOT launched its new “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign during National Pedestrian Safety Month. It's a reminder that drivers and pedestrians both share responsibility for keeping Texas roads safe.
For many Fort Worth families, the difference between a safe walk and a serious accident can come down to one driver’s decision to slow down, stay alert, and look twice before turning.
Why do Texas pedestrian crashes peak in October?
Fall brings cooler temperatures, busier roads, and less daylight. While it’s a welcome time to be outdoors, these conditions also create greater risks for people on foot. Reduced visibility at dusk makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, particularly in unlit areas, while more evening activity means heavier traffic in neighborhoods and near schools. In 2024, the TxDOT reported 773 pedestrian deaths statewide, including 89 people killed and 143 seriously injured last October alone, a sobering reminder of how dangerous this season can be.
Nighttime pedestrian crashes tend to rise this time of year for several reasons:
- Reduced daylight hours: Shorter days mean more drivers are commuting at dawn or dusk, when pedestrians are hardest to see.
- Seasonal distractions: Sports events, school traffic, and social activities add congestion and split driver attention.
- Speeding and visibility issues: Many drivers fail to adjust their speed for low-light conditions or to watch for pedestrians crossing mid-block or outside marked crosswalks.
Even when pedestrians use sidewalks and obey crossing signals, drivers who are distracted or in a hurry can cause devastating harm. Many fatal crashes occur on familiar local streets, not busy highways, making awareness and caution vital during October and beyond.
What makes pedestrian injury claims complex?
Pedestrian accident cases often involve questions of negligence and liability, especially when visibility, speed, or lighting conditions are factors. Drivers frequently claim they “didn’t see” the pedestrian, but under Texas law, motorists have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and to yield to pedestrians when appropriate.
Insurance companies sometimes try to shift blame, arguing that the pedestrian crossed outside a crosswalk or wasn’t wearing reflective clothing. Proving fault may require detailed evidence such as traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction, and expert analysis. These are resources that experienced personal injury lawyers use to protect injured victims’ rights and build strong cases.
What can drivers do to prevent pedestrian accidents?
While the TxDOT campaign focuses on safety awareness, responsibility still lies with every driver who gets behind the wheel. A few small habits can make a major difference in preventing tragedy.
When visibility drops, drivers should make a conscious effort to:
- Stay alert and avoid distractions: Smartphones, navigation systems, and in-car screens can divert your attention from the road.
- Slow down near crosswalks and intersections: Pedestrians can appear suddenly, especially in dim lighting.
- Yield when turning: Many pedestrian crashes occur when drivers make left or right turns without checking for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Be cautious around stopped vehicles: A stopped car may be allowing someone to cross in front of it.
- Remember vehicle blind spots: Large SUVs and pickup trucks make it harder to see smaller pedestrians, especially children.
Even careful drivers can make mistakes, but those mistakes can cost lives. When negligence results in serious injury or death, Texas law allows victims and families to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Having an experienced Fort Worth pedestrian accident attorney can make all the difference in ensuring accountability and securing justice.
Texans don’t take chances. Texans take control.
Pedestrian accidents often leave victims facing long recoveries, expensive medical care, and emotional trauma. In many cases, the injured person may be unable to work for weeks or months. Under Texas law, victims have a limited time to take legal action. These deadlines are known as the statute of limitations. Missing those deadlines can mean losing the right to recover compensation altogether.
For more than 30 years, Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., has represented injured Texans in Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, Irving, and Grapevine. Attorneys Coby Wooten and Mattilyn Smith have recovered millions for accident victims and families who refused to let negligence go unanswered. This includes a $240,000 outcome for a client who was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a Fort Worth pedestrian accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and protect your rights before time runs out.
"I would 100% recommend Coby and his team. I'm very grateful for everything they did for me. They got all my medical bills covered. Highly recommended." - Jose G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐