Is Dallas pedestrian-friendly? Until recently, this question might have been met with a resounding “NO” from many inhabitants of this vibrant but hectic city.
However, a recent grant has made it possible for the city to improve its infrastructure in a way that prioritizes Dallas pedestrian safety more than ever before.
The dedicated, compassionate team of personal injury attorneys at Angel Reyes & Associates is always thrilled to share any news related to the safety of the wonderful people of our Texas community – and this significant development in pedestrian safety initiatives for our city certainly qualifies.
You Can’t Put a Price on Pedestrian Safety
If you could, it might come within the ballpark of $11.5 million.
The city of Dallas has partnered with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to secure a monumental grant which will help make massive strides in improving pedestrian safety on some of the most dangerous roads in Texas.
A Federal grant of $9.24 million was awarded to the city by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Safe Streets and Roads for All” program. In partnership with DART, Dallas raised over $2 million in local contributions to bolster the total.
Targeting the High-Risk Areas Which Affect Dallas Pedestrian Safety the Most
In a 2020 study by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), only seven states account for 54% of the nation’s pedestrian fatalities. Sadly, it comes as no surprise that the dangerous roads in Texas make the Lonestar State one of the deadly seven. Dallas is taking these devastating statistics to heart as they forge a plan for major improvements in pedestrian safety in the city.
This financially backed initiative will focus on the creation of 15 pedestrian safety zones along the following five network corridors:
- Ferguson Road from Interstate 30 to Interstate 635
- Lake June Road from U.S. Highway 175 to Cheyenne Road
- Saint Augustine from Military Parkway to U.S. 175
- Camp Wisdom Road from Cockrell Hill Road to Interstate 35E
- Maple Avenue from Mockingbird to the Dallas North Tollway
These areas are notorious for having the highest rates of crash-related Dallas pedestrian deaths and severe injuries and will benefit the most from safe improvements.
Which Improvements are Being Proposed to Keep Dallas Pedestrians Safe?
The safety of Dallas pedestrians is at the forefront of the city’s collective efforts. While specific locations for the pedestrian safety zones are yet to be announced, the range of interventions is expected to be expansive.
Installation of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons
Almost 74% of pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection locations – aka places where it is more difficult for pedestrians to cross the street safely.
Rapid flash beacons will make it safer for people on foot to cross the road by helping to assign the right of way and control vehicle traffic flow.
Improved Crosswalk Striping and Enhanced Signage
Crosswalk markings and detailed signage provide helpful information to guide pedestrians by delineating safe paths for them to use at intersections and non-intersection locations.
At dangerous non-intersection locations, crosswalk markings help to legally establish where the pedestrian crossing area begins and ends. They also serve to alert drivers of a pedestrian crossing point that isn’t necessarily controlled by highway traffic signals or STOP signs.
Better Lighting
A study by the U.S. Department of Transportation shows a direct correlation between pedestrian safety and better road lighting. Dallas and DART plan to illuminate the Dallas pedestrian paths in order to improve their visibility to drivers, heighten awareness of potential hazards and enhance the overall sense of safety in the area.
Sidewalk and Curb Repairs
To improve Dallas pedestrian safety, as well as the overall experience on the roadways, the city plans to make significant improvements to its sidewalks and curbs – including but not limited to widening the paths, installing proper curb ramps at intersections, adding curb extensions, correctly placing street furniture to avoid issues caused by obstructions, adhering to ADA accessibility standards, and ensuring smooth surfaces with minimal changes to the grade.
Adding Pedestrian Refuge Islands in Medians
A key component for ensuring pedestrian safety on the dangerous roads of Texas is the use of refuge islands – raised median areas located in the middle of a road. They are designed to offer a safe haven for pedestrians to wait before they walk across a multi-lane highway. It breaks up a longer crossing into smaller stages to minimize people’s exposure to traffic and oncoming vehicles.
Relocation of DART Bus Stops
DART is working tirelessly to improve and relocate unsafe bus stops in the city. Some improvements include moving stops, new and improved bus shelters with enhanced amenities, heightened safety and security, and safer locations near crosswalks.
Bringing the Community Together
Dallas city officials and DART officials plan to hold public meetings to gather community support and valuable input on proposed pedestrian safety interventions. The grant stipulates that the city has a five-year window to implement the changes – from initial planning and design to final details and construction.
Dallas’s Vision Zero action plan is fully committed to eliminating all traffic-related deaths and significantly reducing severe injuries caused by crashes by 50% by 2030. This bold initiative represents a significant step towards making the dangerous roads in Texas safer for not only Dallas pedestrians but for the community as a whole. Hopefully, implementing proven safety measures in higher-risk areas will lead to a drastic reduction in pedestrian-related incidents and injuries.
Have You Experienced an Accident as a Dallas Pedestrian?
As personal injury attorneys in the great state of Texas, the Angel Reyes & Associates team have seen firsthand the devastating impact of pedestrian accidents.
While these proposed improvements to pedestrian safety are being planned and implemented as we speak, it is still crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant. Drivers must always remain alert and highly aware of their surroundings, looking for pedestrians in high-traffic areas. Pedestrians should prioritize their safety by using designated crossing areas and being mindful of traffic in general.
Don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Contact us today for a free consultation, or stop by one of our offices in Dallas, Fort-Worth, Houston or Austin so we can discuss your case face-to-face. You’re in good hands with Angel Reyes & Associates.
