{"id":5514,"date":"2024-10-16T15:57:55","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T20:57:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eextra.news\/paris\/?p=5514"},"modified":"2024-11-22T15:31:40","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T21:31:40","slug":"txdot-campaign-asks-people-to-be-cautious-and-alert-during-deadliest-month-for-pedestrians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eextra.news\/paris\/2024\/10\/16\/txdot-campaign-asks-people-to-be-cautious-and-alert-during-deadliest-month-for-pedestrians\/","title":{"rendered":"TxDOT Campaign Asks People to be Cautious and Alert During Deadliest Month for Pedestrians"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Shorter days bring higher risk for pedestrians<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

While fall and winter give Texans a much-needed reprieve from the summer heat, the change in seasons also brings fewer daylight hours, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians and keep them safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

October was the deadliest month for pedestrians last year, with 80 pedestrians dying in Texas traffic crashes. It was also the month that Lisa Torry Smith was killed in a crash in 2017 as she was walking her 6-year-old son to kindergarten in Missouri City. A motorist drove through a crosswalk, hitting Lisa and leaving her son with a broken leg and fractured pelvis\u2014and without a mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

A new law in her honor now requires drivers to stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Lisa\u2019s sister, Gina Torry, is now advocating for pedestrian safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sadly, Lisa\u2019s story is just one of many. Over the last five years, pedestrian traffic fatalities in Texas increased 22%, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is reminding everyone to be extra cautious and alert.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs the fall and winter months usher in shorter days and less light, pedestrians are at increased risk on our roads,\u201d TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. \u201cDrivers may struggle to see pedestrians in lower-light conditions and must stay alert to avoid preventable collisions. Likewise, pedestrians can take extra precautions to be seen by drivers when walking after dark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

TxDOT is taking to the streets with its \u201cBe Safe. Drive Smart\u201d campaign during October\u2019s National Pedestrian Safety Month, reminding drivers to slow down and watch for people walking.<\/span><\/p>\n

TxDOT\u2019s educational campaign includes TV and radio spots, billboards and digital advertising. TxDOT will also bring 34 street teams\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u2014walking billboards wearing safety messages\u2014to areas that saw the greatest number of pedestrian fatalities last year. The street\u00a0teams will be deployed in places where motorists and pedestrians share the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

TxDOT encourages everyone to follow the safety tips below to prevent a deadly crash.<\/span><\/p>\n

For drivers:<\/span><\/p>\n