Across Texas, pedestrians and bicyclists are vulnerable to injuries and loss of life in auto accidents. State agencies track the number of accidents to try and find strategies to make the roads safer. Unfortunately, in 2020, there was a worrisome rise in these types of accidents. This was something of a surprise given the decline in traffic due to the ongoing health situation. To address this, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is taking various steps to try and make the roads less treacherous. Still, accidents are bound to happen and people should be cognizant of their rights in the aftermath.
TxDOT reports notable spike in both pedestrian and bicycle deaths in 2020
According to TxDOT, there was a 21% rise in bicycle accident fatalities and a 9% rise in pedestrian fatalities in 2020 when compared to 2019. Overall, 731 pedestrians and 82 bicyclists lost their lives in auto collisions. This sparked the agency to emphasize safe practices for drivers and others on the road. Texas has been actively trying to break an unwelcome streak of days with a road fatality. The state has not had one day without a road death in nearly 21 years.
Increasing pathways to cater to bicyclists and pedestrians is one way TxDOT is trying to improve the landscape. Certain areas like I-35 are targeted for these improvements. Even with that, given the statistical realities of bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities, the challenges are not easily solvable. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says that in 2019, Texas was third in the nation for these types of deaths. It was first in overall road deaths with nearly 3,300.
Help may be needed after injuries in an auto accident
Motor vehicle accidents can lead to massive medical costs, lost income and long-term challenges that can be problematic in endless ways. Since bicycle riders and pedestrians have no little or no protection, they can suffer from spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, broken bones, lost limbs and internal injuries. To recover effectively, it might take a long hospital stay, extensive treatment and assistance to pay for what is needed. Determining how the collision occurred may be key. Causes could include drowsy driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence or speeding. From the outset, it is crucial to be fully protected. Having experienced advice is a wise first step.
