Because of the warmer temperatures, it is the time of year when more people start to walk outside and bike around on North Texas roads.
That puts many more people at risk of injury or death due to traffic accidents. Pedestrians and bicyclist fatalities account for 1 in 5 of all traffic deaths.
In 2024, 772 pedestrians and 80 bicyclists were killed on Texas roadways. In early 2025, there were 1,372 traffic crashes involving pedestrians in Texas and 527 traffic crashes involving bicyclists. In these crashes, 186 people were killed.
Failure to yield the right of way, driver inattention, and speeding are the top factors contributing to crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. To remind everyone about the risks on the roads, TxDOT recently launched the “Be Safe, Drive Smart” campaign. It highlights ways to protect yourself when you are walking.
Tila Grant with the organization’s Dallas office says, “Make sure you’re only crossing on crosswalks, and make sure that you are looking out for traffic and really being aware of your surroundings.”
Cyclists can do things like use bike lanes, bike facing traffic, and use lights on their bikes at night to help drivers see them when the sun goes down. Grant also shared some tips for drivers to look out for walkers and cyclists.
“Know that they are out on the road and leave them extra space,” Grant said. “We should always drive at a safe speed so you do have the time to brake and stop and do what you need to do and maybe turn off the podcast and don’t be as distracted.”