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Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety

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New Activity Alert!

Zero Hero (formerly Zero Crazy) now includes distracted walking! Change the habit of distracted walkers with your friends and peers. Schools who complete the activity, which includes pre and post observations and activities, earn All-Star points and a $15 gift card courtesy of Union Pacific!

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  • In 2020, 6,516 pedestrians and 938 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes with motor vehicles.1
  • In Texas, pedestrian fatalities totaled 853while bicyclists totaled 90, in 2021. This is about a 15% increase from 2020.2
  • Overall, male pedestrians approximately ages 15 years and older were overrepresented. Of drivers involved in pedestrian crashes, the greatest proportion were younger (under age 35 years) and male drivers.3
  • The majority of pedestrian deaths in 2020 occurred on Fridays and Saturdays.4
  • Exactly 78% of all pedestrian fatal and serious crashes occurred in urban areas.5
  • More than a quarter (26%) of all pedestrian fatalities occurred between 6 and 9:00 p.m in 2020.4 This is the same time the majority of bicyclist fatalities also happen.6
  • In 2020, the number of pedestrian fatalities was highest in California (986) followed by Florida (696) and then Texas(687).1
  • In 2020, pedestrian deaths accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities.1

Pedestrian Safety Information

Use Sidewalks – When there is a sidewalk, use it! Most pedestrian traffic accidents happen when someone is walking on the roadway.

Be very alert when crossing any roadway. Stay on the right-hand side of crosswalks. Drivers are supposed to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks.

Cross at Intersections and in Crosswalks

  • Yield to vehicles on the roadway if you cross the street at a place other than a marked crosswalk or pedestrian tunnel or crossing. If you’re hit while jaywalking, the driver may not be liable, and his or her auto insurance may not cover your injuries.
  • If the road has no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

Tips for Pedestrian Safety

  • Be seen – wear bright or reflective clothing.
  • Make a plan – look for the safest route with less traffic, slower speeds, more lighting, and sidewalks.
  • Always cross at intersections. Look left, then right, then left again before proceeding.
  • Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
  • As a passenger, get in or out of a car on the curbside of the street.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street.
  • Avoid all distractions, such as cell phones and earbuds or other electronics
  • Follow the traffic rules, signs, and signals
  • Be aware of vehicles around you

Bicycle Safety

Laws – Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. As a bicyclist, you should obey all traffic laws, including the following:

  • Stop at red lights and stop signs
  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
  • Pay attention to lane markers
  • Ride near the curb, traveling in the same direction as traffic
  • Use a light on the front and a red reflector or red light on the back of your bike while riding at night

Remember to use proper signals when you want to stop or turn. For a left turn, stretch out your left arm to the left; for a right turn stretch out your right arm to the right, or stretch out your left arm and make a 90-degree angle up with your elbow. For a stop, hold your left arm downward.

Tips for Bicyclists

  • Wear a properly fitted helmet to reduce the chances of head injury and death. (Some cities and counties require cyclists to wear helmets. Contact local law enforcement for more information.)
  • Always check brakes and tires before riding. Use this bicycle safety checklist>
  • Make it easier for drivers to see you by wearing light colors or reflective clothing.

Tips for Drivers, Share the Road

  • Be on the lookout for cyclists or pedestrians on the highway, especially at intersections.
  • If you are passing a bicyclist, move to another lane if possible and give them plenty of room.
  • Watch for bicyclists who may need to maneuver around potholes and debris.
  • Make eye contact with pedestrians or bicyclists before turning.
  • Follow posted speed limits.
  • Give the pedestrian the right of way.
  • Be alert in school zones, bus drop-off and pickup areas, or playgrounds.
  • Give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.
  • Designate a safe spot for school pick-up.

Download Pedestrian and Bike Safety Print Materials>

Other Resources:

Sources:

  1. NHTSA FARS Data, 2020
  2. TxDOT CRIS Data, 2020-2021
  3. Texas Strategic Highway Safety Plan: https://www.texasshsp.com/emphasis-areas/pedestrian-safety/#demographics
  4. IIHS: https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/pedestrians
  5. Texas Strategic Highway Safety Plan: https://www.texasshsp.com/emphasis-areas/pedestrian-safety/#where-crashes-occur
  6. IIHS: https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/bicyclists

Updated July 2022