Arlington, Texas – Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend, bringing earlier evenings and darker commutes. Look Out Texans is reminding drivers to use their lights and watch for people walking and biking.
The risk of traffic crashes and fatalities increases when the sun sets, with nearly two-thirds of pedestrian crashes and 80% of fatal pedestrian crashes occurring after dark.
People walking and biking are more vulnerable than those who are in motor vehicles, so drivers are reminded to turn their lights on, look out for people walking and biking, and to avoid distractions while driving.
State law requires bikes to have a front white light and a red reflector or red light on the back. Walkers or bicyclists can help make the roads safer by wearing bright and/or reflective clothing in the dark.
“Whether in an urban, suburban or rural setting, bicyclists and pedestrians are sharing the roads with drivers, and all users need to remain alert,” said Karla Windsor, a senior program manager for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. “Interactions between drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians can occur just about anywhere in the region. Wherever they are, everyone should be respectful and look out for one another.”
Look Out Texans campaign efforts enhance the work of local, State, and federal transportation partners focused on improving reliability and safety for all road users through roadway design solutions and greater awareness of how people can bike, walk and drive safely.
NCTCOG is coordinating Look Out Texans for cities and transportation partners across the region. It comes at a time when motor vehicle crashes involving people bicycling and walking are increasing in North Texas. Between 2015 and 2019, there were more than 10,500 such reported vehicle crashes with pedestrians and bicyclists, resulting in more than 850 fatalities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. The Federal Highway Administration has designated both Dallas and Fort Worth as Pedestrian and Bicycle Focus Cities based on high rates of crash fatalities.
For more information about the Look Out Texans campaign, including tips that can help make the roads safer for all, visit
www.LookOutTexans.org. Follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #LookOutTexans.
About the North Central Texas Council of Governments:
NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication and make joint decisions.
NCTCOG serves a 16-county region of North Central Texas, which is centered on the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. Currently, NCTCOG has 238 member governments including 16 counties, 169 cities, 22 school districts and 31 special districts. For more information on the NCTCOG Transportation Department, visit
www.nctcog.org/trans.