As temperatures warm up, people are enjoying the weather by spending more time outdoors. No matter how you travel to your destination, the Governors’ Highway Safety Association, and the Texas Department of Transportation, along with the City of Lockhart, urge you to be mindful of both drivers and pedestrians.

In its most recent report, the GHSA saw a 20-percent increase in pedestrian deaths nationwide for the first six months of 2020. Seven states, including Texas, accounted for over half of those deaths. A trend the group found concerning, especially with fewer drivers out on the roads due to COVID-19.

TxDOT has also seen an increase in pedestrian fatalities. While data from last year has not been finalized, between 2015 and 2019, the state agency reported 3,150 pedestrian deaths. A very small fraction of that number is in Lockhart, but you are still encouraged to exercise caution while traveling.

For pedestrians:

• Cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. Look left, right, then left again before crossing
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume drivers see you
• Obey all traffic and crosswalk signals
• Use the sidewalk. If there is not one, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic
• When walking, put away electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road

For drivers:

• Yield right-of-way to pedestrians, especially when turning
• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks
• Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles
• Pay attention and put your phone away as pedestrians may suddenly enter your path

In response to these numbers, Lockhart Police steps up traffic enforcement. Officers are out on patrol focusing on issues that cause collisions, like distracted driving and DWIs, to help reduce these incidents within city limits.