The numbers are alarming — and they should be.
Pedestrian deaths in the U.S. are at a 40-year high, with a 77% increase since 2008 even though the number of people walking has risen only modestly. More than 7,300 pedestrians in the U.S. lost their lives after being struck by drivers in 2023.
According to the recent analysis highlighted by Streetsblog and linked in the article shared by @txdot, Texas has two of the most dangerous roadways in the entire country for pedestrians: I-35, running through Dallas, Waco, Austin, and San Antonio; and State Highway 6 in the College Station area.
These aren’t isolated numbers — they reflect real lives lost and families forever changed. At Lyons & Simmons, we fight for victims of catastrophic injury and wrongful death because accountability matters. Every life deserves protection; every preventable death deserves justice.
We believe every step should be safe—from the sidewalk to the crosswalk. Here’s what pedestrians, drivers and bystanders should keep in mind:
Pedestrians:
- Always use marked crosswalks when available
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street
- Wear bright or reflective clothing at night
- Stay off your phone—distraction kills
Drivers:
- Yield to pedestrians, especially at intersections and crosswalks
- Slow down in residential zones and when visibility is low
- Avoid distracted driving—keeping your eyes on the road keeps others alive
- Be particularly cautious in dusk, dawn and bad weather
Bystanders & Communities:
- Advocate for safer infrastructure: well-lit streets, clear signage, pedestrian refuge islands
- Teach children pedestrian safety early—every age counts
- If you see unsafe conditions, report it. Being proactive saves lives
This isn’t just about statistics—it’s about real people. Family members. Neighbors. Friends. Let’s all do our part to protect the most vulnerable among us: pedestrians.
