Texas roads grow deadlier for pedestrians and cyclists, with fatalities rising 58% since 2019—TxDOT launches statewide safety campaign urging drivers to slow down and stay alert

Austin, Texas – On his 10th birthday in 2020, Victor Peterzen received a bicycle—a gift that filled him with excitement and the promise of adventure. Just three months later, tragedy struck. While riding through his northwest Houston neighborhood, Victor was hit and killed in a crash. His family’s heartbreak became part of a devastating reality in Texas: pedestrians and bicyclists are among the most vulnerable on our roads, and the number of lives lost continues to climb.

In 2023 alone, 914 pedestrians and cyclists died in traffic crashes across the state. That’s not just a statistic—it’s hundreds of families shattered, dreams cut short, and communities grieving their loved ones. The problem has only gotten worse in recent years, with pedestrian deaths increasing 22% and bicyclist fatalities soaring 58% from 2019 to 2023.

Nearly five years after Victor’s death, his family is turning their pain into purpose. This spring, they’re partnering with the Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to remind drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians that safety is a shared responsibility.

“Pedestrians and cyclists are among our most at-risk road users, and too many of them are killed or injured in our communities each year,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “If everyone looks out for each other and follows the rules of the road, we can help prevent these terrible crashes.”

The campaign is not just about raising awareness—it’s about changing behavior. Teams of “walking billboards” are hitting high-risk areas across the state, delivering life-saving safety messages directly to people who need to hear them. The message is clear: everyone has a role in keeping our roads safer.

For drivers, that means slowing down, staying alert, and respecting those who share the road. It means stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks, giving cyclists enough space when passing, and always checking before turning. Simple actions that can save lives.

For pedestrians, it’s about making smart choices—using crosswalks, obeying traffic signals, and walking on sidewalks whenever possible. If there’s no sidewalk, walking facing traffic increases visibility and reduces the risk of being hit.

For bicyclists, it means following traffic laws, stopping at red lights, riding in the same direction as traffic, and using hand signals. Visibility is critical—especially at night—so equipping bikes with front and rear lights can make all the difference.

The Be Safe. Drive Smart. initiative is part of TxDOT’s broader Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. movement, which encourages drivers to embrace responsibility as part of Texas’ culture of hospitality. It’s about being mindful, respectful, and careful—because a little kindness on the road can save lives.

For families like the Peterzens, this fight is deeply personal. They can’t bring Victor back, but they hope their advocacy will prevent another family from experiencing the same heartbreak. If drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians all commit to safer habits, maybe one day, stories like Victor’s will become far less common.

Until then, the message remains urgent: Know the rules. Follow them. And above all, look out for one another.