ODESSA, Texas – As daylight fades earlier each day, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is asking every driver to be extra vigilant for pedestrians. The agency’s “Be Safe, Drive Smart” campaign, part of its “Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe.” initiative, will run throughout October and November, the months with the highest number of pedestrian crashes in the state.

Why the focus now?

In 2025, 694 Texans were killed by motor vehicles while walking, and nearly one‑fifth of those deaths occurred in October and November. Most of those incidents happened after dark; TxDOT reports that 68% of pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries occurred at night. While overall pedestrian deaths fell 10% from 2024 to 2025, they still represent 18% of all traffic‑related fatalities in Texas.

A tragic reminder

Last year, 16‑year‑old Jose Flores III of San Antonio was struck in a crosswalk by a truck driver. Flores died a month later, in October 2025. His mother, Amanda Saucedo, urges fellow drivers to prevent another family from experiencing the same loss: “Please watch out for pedestrians. No family should have to go through this.”

TxDOT’s response

TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams emphasized that the combination of reduced daylight and low visibility makes nighttime travel especially hazardous for walkers. “People walking are already at greater risk when they are near traffic, but when you add low visibility at night, that risk increases,” Williams said. “Drivers and pedestrians alike need to stay alert, visible and focused.”

What drivers can do

• Slow down in residential areas and near crosswalks, especially after sunset.
• Watch for pedestrians stepping off curbs or walking along the shoulder.
• Use high‑beam headlights when appropriate, but dim them for oncoming traffic.
• Avoid distractions such as phones or loud music while driving at night.

What pedestrians can do

• Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking after dark.
• Stay on sidewalks or designated walkways whenever possible.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Carry a flashlight or use a phone’s light feature to increase visibility.

On‑the‑ground outreach

Throughout October and November, TxDOT will deploy street teams of walking billboards that display safety tips in high‑traffic areas across the state. The teams will focus on locations where motorists and pedestrians share the road, reinforcing the message that every driver has a role in protecting lives.

For more information and a full list of safety tips, visit DriveLikeATexan.com.

Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.