TxDOT brings 'walking billboards' to McAllen for pedestrian safety campaign

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation showcased its new safety campaign on 23rd Street in McAllen.

The statewide pedestrian safety campaign titled 'Be Safe. Drive Smart.', had its street team wearing 'walking billboards' in high-traffic areas with pedestrian safety messages.

"TxDOT's "Be Safe. Drive Smart.' campaign is reminding drivers, bicyclist and pedestrians to follow the rules of the road in key areas throughout the state of Texas," said Ray Pedraza, Public Information Officer for TxDOT Pharr District.

The campaign was started on behalf of Katie Parker, a Texas woman who survived a near-fatal pedestrian crash in July 2016. A careless driver failed to yield to her and her dog at a crosswalk while they were out for a jog in Victoria, Texas.

Parker was hit with such force that she was thrown more than 60 feet and nearly lost her life.

"Altogether pedestrian and bicyclist deaths account for 1 in 5 of all traffic fatalities in Texas," said Pedraza." Failure to yield the right of way, driver inattention and speeding are the top factors in pedestrian-involved crashes."

Pedraza says over the years there has been an increase in pedestrian-involved crashes.

"Unfortunately over the last five years between 2018 and 2022, traffic crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists have been increasing," said Pedraza. "Overall, we need to do a better job of looking out for each one another and following the rules of the road."