TxDOT campaign reinforces state laws to combat rising trend in pedestrian and cyclist deaths
Mar. 18—AUSTIN — On his 10th birthday in 2020, Victor Peterzen received a brand-new bicycle. Just three months later, his life was tragically cut short in a crash while riding his bike through his northwest Houston neighborhood.
Sadly, similar tragedies continue to plague our state. In 2023, 914 bicyclists and pedestrians died in traffic crashes in Texas. It's part of a rising trend in recent years as pedestrian deaths went up 22% and bicyclist fatalities increased 58% from 2019-2023.
Nearly five years after his death, Peterzen's family is working with TxDOT's "Be Safe. Drive Smart" campaign this spring to remind Texans to follow traffic laws and share the road safely with people walking and biking.
"Pedestrians and cyclists are among our most at-risk road users, and too many of them are killed or injured in our communities each year," TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in a news release. "If everyone looks out for each other and follows the rules of the road, we can help prevent these terrible crashes."
TxDOT's campaign aims to raise awareness among all Texans — drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike — of the shared responsibility to help everyone get where they're going safely. To support this goal, the "Be Safe. Drive Smart" campaign is sending teams of "walking billboards" around the state to share vital safety messages in crash-prone areas.
Know the rules. Save a life.
If you're driving:
— Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
— Give bikes space and pass at a safe distance.
— Yield when turning and always check for pedestrians and cyclists.
— Follow the speed limit and adjust for conditions.
If you're walking:
— Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
— Stick to sidewalks, but if none exist, walk facing traffic on the left side unless it is obstructed or unsafe.
If you're biking:
— Follow traffic laws and stop at red lights and stop signs.
— Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
— Use hand signals for turns or stops.
— Equip your bike with lights at night, using a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
"Be Safe. Drive Smart" is an important part of TxDOT's Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie, and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Texans to sign Damon Arnette
Cornerback Damon Arnette spent the 2025 UFL season in Houston and he'll be trying to spend the 2025 NFL season in the same city. According to multiple reports, the Texans will sign Arnette to their 90-man roster. Arnette recently worked out for the team. Advertisement It's the first time Arnette will be on an NFL roster since early 2022. He was a 2020 first-round pick by the Raiders, but was released during his rookie season after the release of a video showing him making threats while carrying a firearm. He was signed to a future contract by the Chiefs in 2022, but was released after being arrested for assault. Arnette put himself back on the NFL radar by playing well with the Roughnecks in the UFL and he'll now have a chance at a more successful second act in the big leagues.
NBC Sports
4 days ago
- NBC Sports
Ramzee Robinson sues Chiefs for wrongful discharge, tortious interference
After his playing career ended, Ramzee Robinson spent nine years working for the Chiefs. In the aftermath of the termination of his employment, Robinson has sued the Chiefs. PFT has obtained a copy of a lawsuit filed Monday by Robinson in a Missouri federal court. The 11-page complaint accuses the Chiefs of wrongful discharge on the basis of race, retaliatory discharge arising from complaints regarding pay disparities and inequities based on race, and tortious interference with business expectancy. Robinson worked as the team's director of player engagement. He alleges that his pay fell behind comparable positions with other teams, and that team president Mark Donovan 'rejected Plaintiff's requests for a compensation review and/or salary increase.' Robinson also contends that the 'KC Chiefs paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts.' On the last theory, Robinson claims that the Texans requested to interview Robinson, and that the Chiefs refused. They told the Texans an interview would violate Robinson's contract. The complaint doesn't address the obvious question of whether the Chiefs were entitled to refuse permission under the tampering policy. The Chiefs will have the right to respond to the complaint, either by answering the allegations or filing a motion to dismiss the case. It's also possible that Robinson's contract contains an arbitration clause, given the habit of the NFL's teams to push non-player legal claims into the secret, rigged kangaroo court presided over by the Commissioner. If so, look for the Chiefs to make an aggressive attempt to force Robinson's case out of open court.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Trump DOJ Veteran Aaron Reitz Announces Run For Texas AG
(Texas Scorecard) – Aaron Reitz, a former deputy attorney general under Ken Paxton and recent Trump administration appointee, announced his campaign for the Republican nomination for Texas attorney general. Reitz made the announcement Thursday, a day after resigning as assistant attorney general for legal policy under Pam Bondi in the Department of Justice. He previously served as Paxton's deputy attorney general for legal strategy and as chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. 'We are in a fight for the soul of Texas, our nation, and Western civilization itself,' said Reitz in a campaign statement. 'This is no time for half-measures or untested cowards.' 'As Attorney General, I'll use every ounce of legal firepower to defend President Trump, crush the radical Left, advance the America and Texas First agenda, and look out for everyday Texans,' he added. Reitz said he would use the office to pursue policies aligned with President Donald Trump's agenda, including increased border security, mass deportations, opposition to progressive prosecutors, and efforts to uncover election fraud. He also pledged to target Big Tech, support law enforcement, and defend constitutional rights. 'I led the fight on virtually every major legal campaign that Texans care about,' said Reitz, referring to his time under Paxton. 'I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Paxton to challenge the 2020 election when others ran scared.' His campaign announcement included praise from Trump, who described Reitz as 'a true MAGA attorney' and 'a warrior for our Constitution.' Reitz becomes the latest Republican to announce a campaign for attorney general, joining State Sen. Mayes Middleton. The race comes as current Attorney General Ken Paxton is not seeking re-election and is instead running for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. After Reitz resigned from his federal position yesterday, he was greeted with support from those in the Trump administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel.
