TxDOT raises awareness for Pedestrian Safety Month

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Texas Department of Transportation is raising awareness to keep drivers and pedestrians alert at all times.

According to TxDOT, October marks the deadliest month of the year for pedestrians, with a majority of auto-pedestrian accidents occurring at night.

TxDOT records show that 222 auto-pedestrian crashes occurred in 2024 throughout the Pharr District, which encompasses the entire Rio Grande Valley, as well as Brooks, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, and Zapata counties.

Records also show that approximately 27 people within the Pharr District were killed in auto-pedestrian crashes last year.

TxDOT will raise awareness this month with multimedia safety messages while deploying street teams of walking billboards around the state.

Street teams will be deployed to Harlingen, McAllen, and Edinburg this month.

TxDOT reminds drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant on the road at all times.

Drivers are asked to yield for pedestrians in crosswalks, pay attention, and follow the speed limit.

Pedestrians are asked to cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks, to put away any devices to avoid distractions, stay visible, follow all traffic and crosswalk signals, and make contact with drivers before crossing.