Hundreds of Pedestrian and Cyclist Deaths Prompt New TxDOT Safety Campaign

Officials warn of alarming fatality rates on Texas roads, urge drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to be more vigilant.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:14am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic pedestrian crossing sign repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn an everyday traffic safety symbol into modern pop art.Repeated neon-hued silkscreen images of a pedestrian crossing sign aim to raise awareness of the alarming number of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities on Texas roads.Tyler Today

According to TxDOT, 772 pedestrians and 80 bicyclists were killed on Texas roadways in 2024, with the majority of these fatalities occurring at night. In response, the agency is launching a new statewide safety campaign to raise awareness and encourage all road users to prioritize safety.

Why it matters

As more Texans look to save money by walking or cycling instead of driving, the high rate of pedestrian and cyclist deaths on the state's roads has become a major public safety concern. With urban areas seeing the highest number of these incidents, TxDOT is working to address the problem before it gets worse, especially as summer approaches and more children are out playing.

The details

According to TxDOT, approximately 77% of pedestrian deaths and 64% of cyclist fatalities in 2024 happened after dark. Officials say that safety on Texas roads is a shared responsibility, with drivers expected to stay alert and yield to pedestrians and cyclists, while riders and walkers must also follow all traffic signs and signals.

  • In 2024, 772 pedestrians and 80 bicyclists were killed on Texas roadways.
  • Approximately 77% of pedestrian deaths and 64% of cyclist fatalities happened after dark in 2024.

The players

TxDOT

The Texas Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining and improving the state's transportation infrastructure, including roads, highways, and bridges.

Monica O'Kane

A branch supervisor for TxDOT's Behavioral Traffic Safety program.

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What they’re saying

“In 2024, 772 pedestrians and 80 bicyclists were killed on Texas roadways.”

— Monica O'Kane, Branch Supervisor, TxDOT Behavioral Traffic Safety program

What’s next

TxDOT is launching a new statewide safety campaign to raise awareness and encourage all road users to prioritize safety.

The takeaway

The alarming number of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities on Texas roads highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to road safety, involving both drivers and non-motorized users. TxDOT's new safety campaign aims to address this issue and save lives, but it will require a collective effort from all Texans to make the state's roads safer for everyone.