On Thursday, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) placed teams of “walking billboards” at several busy intersections along New Boston Road in Texarkana, part of its “Be Safe. Drive Smart” pedestrian‑safety campaign. The mobile displays showed safety messages for drivers and pedestrians from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., aiming to remind motorists to slow down and walkers to use crosswalks and stay visible after dark.
TxDOT officials said the timing of the campaign coincides with the recent end of daylight‑saving time, which brings earlier sunsets and darker evening commutes. “As earlier sunsets bring darker evening commutes following the end of daylight saving time, state transportation officials are urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise extra caution on local roadways,” reported KTBS.
State data underscore the urgency. According to the Texas Gazette, 138 pedestrians were killed in crashes across Texas during October and November of last year – the two months with the highest number of pedestrian‑related crashes statewide. In 2025, Texas recorded 694 pedestrian fatalities, with nearly 20% occurring in those two months. Moreover, 68% of pedestrian deaths and serious injuries happened after dark, and while overall pedestrian fatalities fell 10% from 2024 to 2025, they still represent 18% of all traffic deaths in the state.
Texarkana’s own numbers are stark. TxDOT records show 49 pedestrian crashes were reported in the Texarkana area last year, resulting in nine deaths and 16 serious injuries, according to KTBS. The Texas Gazette notes that nine of those fatalities occurred within the Atlanta District, which includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus and Upshur counties.
TxDOT spokeswoman Heather Singleton emphasized that the walking‑billboard effort is intended to prompt both drivers to stay vigilant and pedestrians to remain visible and use designated crossing points. “It’s also the highest two‑month period for pedestrian crashes and fatalities,” Singleton said.
What’s next: The walking‑billboard displays will remain at the targeted intersections through the afternoon on Thursday. Residents are encouraged to heed the safety reminders, especially during the darker evening hours that follow the recent clock change. TxDOT plans to evaluate the campaign’s impact and may expand similar efforts to other high‑traffic areas in the region later this fall.
Sources: texarkanagazette.com, ktbs.com
