The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced on Mar. 16 that it is urging all Texans to drive safely and protect vulnerable road users as spring brings more walkers, cyclists, and drivers onto the roads.
This call for increased caution comes as crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists continue to rise in Texas. The agency highlights the importance of following traffic laws to prevent injuries and fatalities among those most at risk.
“We continue to see an increase in the number of crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists each year,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “All of us share a responsibility to watch out for each other, but people on foot or riding a bike are most at risk for serious injury or worse in a crash with a car, which means drivers must be extra vigilant.”
In 2024, there were 852 deaths among cyclists and pedestrians on Texas roads, making up over 20 percent of all traffic fatalities. That year saw 6,095 pedestrian-involved crashes and 2,761 bicycle-involved crashes. Early data from 2025 shows that there were already 1,372 pedestrian-related crashes and 527 bicycle-related crashes resulting in 186 deaths. One such incident involved Bryan Kight, who was struck by a turning driver while cycling in Austin in 2024; he required major surgeries and months of recovery.
TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan initiative includes the Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign, which provides safety tips for drivers, walkers, and cyclists. Drivers are reminded to yield to vulnerable road users at crosswalks, give bikes space when passing, look twice before turning, and obey speed limits. Pedestrians should use crosswalks and walk facing traffic if sidewalks are unavailable. Cyclists are advised to follow traffic signals, ride with traffic flow using bike lanes where possible, signal turns or stops by hand, and use proper lighting at night.
The campaign will also feature interactive virtual reality experiences at events across Texas to help participants understand dangerous scenarios faced by pedestrians and bicyclists.
According to the official website, TxDOT supports economic activity and community connectivity by maintaining an extensive transportation infrastructure that includes highways, thousands of traffic signals, general aviation airports statewide, and handles about 556.9 million vehicle-miles traveled daily. The department operates under the governance of the Texas Transportation Commission—which appoints its executive director—and aims to link Texans for mobility while fostering economic opportunities across both urban and rural areas.
Williams said that thoughtful choices behind the wheel can help keep everyone safe: “All of us share a responsibility to watch out for each other.”
