On August 5, a woman was hit by a Dallas police cruiser as she was attempting to cross a six-lane intersection with no crosswalk, at Elam Road and Cedarcliff Drive. She died the next day from injuries sustained during the incident. Two weeks later, Dallas saw three more incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles.
It is no surprise that pedestrians sustain catastrophic injuries when they are hit by a vehicle. In the city of Dallas, the number of pedestrians being seriously injured or killed by vehicles is daunting. In 2024 alone the city has seen 467 vehicle crashes involving pedestrians, with 51 ending in fatalities.
Around the country, the numbers are just as bleak. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), nationwide there were 7,318 pedestrians killed by motor vehicles last year.
While the GHSA noted that this figure is lower than it was in 2022 (by 5.4 percent), it is evident that more needs to be done to prevent these types of accidents that many safety experts say are preventable.
What Is Being Done to Protect Pedestrians in Texas?
Concern over pedestrian safety in Texas is not new. Over the years the city of Dallas has been called out for the high number of people injured by moving vehicles while on a street or walkway. In a 2018 Texas A&M study, Dallas County ranked fourth nationally in pedestrian fatalities, and even though the county has worked to enhance pedestrian road signage over the years the problem has continued.
A recent attempt by officials to curb pedestrian injuries (along with other traffic-related injuries and crashes), began in 2022 when the city launched its Vision Zero Action Plan. Under this plan, city officials along with leaders in 45 other municipalities, pledged to address traffic safety and focus on the elimination of traffic fatalities and cut severe injuries in half by 2030. The concept for the plan originated in Sweden during the 1990s and operates under the belief “that no loss of life is acceptable and that all traffic fatalities and severe injuries are preventable.”
The Dallas Vision Zero Action Plan addresses infrastructure with the city identifying “high injury networks,’’ streets that account for the highest percentage of crash-related deaths and serious injuries. The hope is by identifying the areas, pedestrians will become more aware and cautious and at the same time, physical adjustments can also be considered to make the areas safer.
In addition to its Zero Action Plan, the city also revealed a $30-million Dallas Sidewalk Master Plan that focuses on particular areas that need walkway/sidewalk improvements to provide more safety to pedestrians. The plan ensures city officials can build and maintain safe sidewalks throughout the city’s different neighborhoods.
While the city’s efforts are being applauded by some, others are concerned about costs, and that programs like Vision Zero will require continued investment and community involvement. Patrick Kennedy is on the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors and teaches urban development at Southern Methodist University. He told the Dallas Morning News that he believes the efforts made for better pedestrian safety will be ongoing, however, it also “improves other aspects of life.”
Kennedy also stressed that Dallas should continue monitoring how other major cities are tackling these urban issues. “I wish we were leaders on this but we’re not. But, there’s enough examples now where we can be followers,” Kennedy said.
How Pedestrians Are Affected in an Accident
Car wrecks involving pedestrians can happen anywhere from major intersections to quiet neighborhoods.
According to one study, the average risk of severe injury for a pedestrian is 10 percent at an impact speed of 16 mph. It jumps to 90 percent at 50 mph. This makes it clear. A pedestrian is no match for a moving vehicle. A victim can suffer cuts, lacerations, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, or death. Along with physical injuries, a pedestrian may lose their ability to earn a salary or may be forced to manage long-term medical care costs.
While it is important to recognize how to stay safe as a pedestrian, it is also important to understand if you are involved in a pedestrian accident, you will need support. Injuries associated with a pedestrian-vehicle crash may take months to heal and victims may find themselves facing major medical bills while experiencing a loss of wages.
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a Texas personal injury lawyer with experience in such cases as soon as possible in order to get the necessary compensation. The team at The Cochran Firm Texas can be an invaluable asset. We will discuss your legal options and hold those responsible for the injuries accountable. Contact us online or by calling (800) 843-3476 for a free consultation.
At Cochran Texas, we understand that needing legal help can be scary. It doesn’t have to be. We are a trusted leader in the legal profession and in our community. We know you are more than a case number. We get to know you as a person. This allows us to offer a balanced and thoughtful approach to giving you the best possible legal representation. Our mission is to protect the legal rights of ALL people in our community. No matter your race, gender, background or income level you have a right to skilled legal help. Call us at 800-843-3476.
