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PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLISTS MOST VULNERABLE ON TEXAS ROADS
AUSTIN — On his 10th birthday in 2020, Victor Peterzen received a brandnew bicycle. Just three months later, his life was tragically cut short in a crash while riding his bike through his northwest Houston neighborhood.
Sadly, similar tragedies continue to plague our state. In 2023, 914 bicyclists and pedestrians died in traffic crashes in Texas. It’s part of a rising trend in recent years as pedestrian deaths went up 22% and bicyclist fatalities increased 58% from 2019–2023.
Nearly five years after his death, Peterzen’s family is working with TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign this spring to remind Texans to follow traffic laws and share the road safely with people walking and biking.
“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,” siad TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “If everyone looks out for each other and follows the rules of the road, we can help prevent these terrible crashes.”
TxDOT’s campaign aims to raise awareness among all Texans—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike—of the shared responsibility to help everyone get where they’re going safely. To support this goal, the “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign is sending teams of “walking billboards” around the state to share vital safety messages in crash-prone areas.
Know the rules. Save a life.
If you’re driving:
• Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
• Give bikes space and pass at a safe distance.
• Yield when turning and always check for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Follow the speed limit and adjust for conditions.
If you’re walking:
• Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
• Stick to sidewalks, but if none exist, walk facing traffic on the left side unless it is obstructed or unsafe.
If you’re biking:
• Follow traffic laws and stop at red lights and stop signs.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
• Use hand signals for turns or stops.
• Equip your bike with lights at night, using a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart” is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie, and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
HORTICULTURE COMMITTEE AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS
The Horticulture Committee of Austin County is a group of volunteers who serve Austin County in support of horticulture education for adults. Their mission is to provide educational programs and information and to promote the improvement of horticultural practices in Austin and surrounding counties.
They are generously awarding the 2025 Horticulture Committee of Austin County Scholarship of up to $1,000. This scholarship is being offered to eligible residents of Austin County. The applicant must be a May 2025 graduate of a high school in Austin County or currently enrolled in college but a graduate of an Austin County high school. This opportunity is open to public, private, or home school students provided they can produce an official transcript. College students must provide proof of graduation from an Austin County school.
For an application and complete scholarship guidelines please visit: https:// austin.agrilife.org/horticulture- scholarship/. Applications are due electronically on Friday, Feb. 21.
If you have any questions, contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Austin County, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, Stacie Villarreal, at 979-865-2072 or email [email protected].
