October Is the Deadliest Month for Pedestrians in Texas

Why October Is the Deadliest Month for Texas Pedestrians

October is the deadliest month for pedestrians in Texas. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), more pedestrian deaths occur in October than in any other month. Several factors contribute to this alarming trend, including changing weather conditions, shorter daylight hours, and an increase in nighttime activities as the holiday season approaches.

Read on to learn why most pedestrian fatalities occur in October and the pedestrian safety programs the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) has introduced to address the surge in traffic deaths.

Why Do Most Pedestrian Fatalities Occur in October?

The combination of increased foot traffic and reduced visibility during the fall months makes October particularly hazardous for pedestrians. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the nighttime fatality rate on US roads is 3 times higher than the daytime rate.

October marks the transition to fall, leading to shorter days and longer periods of darkness. Pedestrians are more likely to be out after sunset, making them harder for drivers to spot, particularly in poorly lit areas. There are also more people out and about due to Halloween events and the Texas State Fair, drawing large crowds to public spaces and streets.

Additionally, unpredictable weather patterns, such as rain or fog, further decrease visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. These factors, combined with a lack of pedestrian infrastructure in many parts of Texas, make October the most dangerous time of year for pedestrians.

High-Risk Locations Where Most Pedestrian Fatalities Occur

Intersections

In 2022, 16% percent of the pedestrian fatalities occurred at intersections. Intersections in Texas, especially in major cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston, are among the most dangerous places for pedestrians. At intersections, pedestrians often face the danger of drivers running red lights or turning without yielding. 

Urban Areas

According to NHTSA data, in 2022, 84% of pedestrian traffic deaths occurred in urban areas. Urban environments often have fast-moving traffic, poorly designed crosswalks, and limited pedestrian protections. Heavily populated cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio experience higher pedestrian traffic and a greater rate of accidents. According to a Forbes study, three of the top 15 cities with the worst drivers are in Texas, including Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.

The combination of traffic congestion, complex road systems, and distracted driving significantly increases the danger for road users. Common places for pedestrian accidents include intersections, parking lots, residential areas, mid-block crossings, and school zones.

High-Speed Roads

According to Houstonia Magazine, the Lone Star State holds the highest speed limits in the country. Downtown areas and large stretches of road, such as the 4-mile stretch of Westheimer Road between Fondren Road and the 610 Loop, are particularly hazardous. This road span accounted for 26 pedestrian deaths and 3 cyclist deaths within a 5-year period.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) revealed that speeding was a factor in 160,000 traffic crashes across Texas in 2023. That year, 1,456 people lost their lives in speeding-related crashes in Texas. The force of impact at higher speeds significantly increases the likelihood of a fatality in pedestrian crashes.

Suburban and Rural Areas

In Texas, many pedestrian fatalities occur in suburban and rural regions where there is limited or no infrastructure designed for foot traffic. According to data from the NHTSA, 73% of pedestrian deaths happen at non-intersection locations where there are no designated crossing areas.

Suburban and rural areas often have wide, multi-lane roads that prioritize vehicular traffic and have few pedestrian protections. Therefore, a lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals may encourage pedestrians to walk along or cross busy roads, putting them at greater risk.

The Deadliest Intersections in Dallas, Texas

According to the Dallas Morning News, these 15 intersections are the most dangerous for pedestrians:

• Buckner Boulevard at John West Road to I-30.
• Bruton Road at Prairie Creek Road to Masters Drive.
• Cedar Springs Road at Dallas North Tollway to Turtle Creek.
• Cedar Springs Road at Turtle Creek Boulevard to Field Street.
• Forest Lane at Audelia Road to Garland city limit.
• Great Trinity Forest Way at Ledbetter Drive to I-45.
• Great Trinity Forest Way at Jim Miller Road to U.S. Highway 175.
• Jefferson Boulevard at Edgefield Avenue to Zang Boulevard.
• Jefferson Boulevard at Zang Boulevard to Fleming.
• Jupiter Road at I-635 to Garland.
• Ledbetter Drive at Lancaster Road to Great Trinity Forest.
• Maple Avenue at Hudnall Street to Oak Lawn.
• MLK Jr. at SM Wright to Botham Jean Boulevard.
• Northwest Highway at Harry Hines Boulevard to Timberline Drive.
• Wheatland at Duncanville city limit to Kirnwood.

October Is National Pedestrian Safety Month

The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has designated October as National Pedestrian Safety Month. This nationwide campaign aims to raise awareness about pedestrian safety and encourage safer practices for drivers and pedestrians. 

In Texas, the State Transportation Department (TxDOT) campaign asks drivers to be extra cautious and alert, especially during peak hours. TxDOT stresses that the change in seasons brings fewer daylight hours, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. The campaign highlights this increased risk and asks road users to stay vigilant to keep pedestrians safe.

When Do Most Pedestrian Fatalities Occur?

According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the highest number of pedestrian fatalities typically occurs between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. 

In 2022, about 76% of pedestrian deaths occurred at night, between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and 24% occurred between 9 p.m. and midnight. During these hours, visibility is reduced, and drivers may be less attentive after a long day. About 47% of pedestrian deaths occurred between Friday and Saturday.

Texas Pedestrian Accident Statistics

• According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 7,522 pedestrians killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2022—the highest number since 1981.
• The Department of Transportation revealed that pedestrian deaths accounted for 18% of all traffic fatalities in 2022.
• In 2022, 88% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single-vehicle crashes.
• In 2022, there were 1,910 pedestrian deaths caused by hit-and-run crashes across the US.
• Nearly 1 out of every 4 pedestrians killed in auto accidents (24%) were struck by hit-and-run drivers in 2022.
• The age groups with the largest percentage of pedestrian deaths include 60 to 64 and 65 to 70.
• In 2022, there were 807 pedestrian fatalities across Texas. Over the last 5 years, pedestrian fatalities in Texas increased 22%.

Top Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Deaths

Several factors contribute to the high number of pedestrian fatalities in Texas, including:

• Speeding: Higher traveling speeds reduce a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid a pedestrian and can lead to more severe injuries in a crash. Drivers should obey the speed limits and drive at safe speeds according to road and weather conditions.
• Distracted driving: Drivers using their phones or otherwise distracted are less likely to notice pedestrians, especially at crosswalks and intersections.
• Alcohol impairment: Both drivers and pedestrians impaired by alcohol are at higher risk of being involved in fatal accidents. In 2022, alcohol use contributed to 48% of fatal crashes involving pedestrians.
• Poor visibility: Pedestrian fatalities are more common in low-light conditions or areas with poor street lighting, making it difficult for drivers to see people on the road. In 2022, about 78% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark. Pedestrians walking at night should wear bright and reflective clothing to improve visibility to other road users.
• Failure to yield right-of-way: Many pedestrian fatalities occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks or intersections.
• Jaywalking: Jaywalking is very dangerous and is illegal in Texas. Pedestrians crossing outside of designated crosswalks are at higher risk of being struck by vehicles.

Award-Winning Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Dallas

If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident caused by another person’s negligence, it’s crucial to consult an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. Pedestrian accidents often result in severe pedestrian injuries, including broken bones, head and brain injuries, costly medical bills, and pain and suffering.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our personal injury law firm is dedicated to advocating for the rights of pedestrian accident victims. We maintain a 99% success rate and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

Our Texas personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to investigate the details of your case, gather compelling evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.