Last year (2020), the City of Dallas experienced 167 traffic related fatalities. 59 involved pedestrians, 21 motorcyclists, and 3 bicyclists. Several of the fatalities involved intoxicated drivers. So far in 2021, there have been 43 traffic related fatalities, 12 involved pedestrians, 3 motorcyclists, and 1 bicyclist.

The Dallas Police Department encourages everyone to be aware of the following safety reminders:

Pedestrian Safety:

• Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians whenever possible.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
• Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Motorcycle Safety:

• Don’t take risks, ride defensively. Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings.
• Ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles.
• Signal before changing lanes.
• Proceed cautiously at intersections and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles as appropriate.

Bicycle Safety:

• Anticipate what others may do, before they do it.
• Drive with the flow, in the same direction as traffic.
• Obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a car.
• Assume the other person doesn’t see you; look ahead for hazards or situations to avoid that may cause you to fall, like toys, pebbles, potholes, grates, train tracks.

DWI-Being Responsible:

• Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
• If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home. 
• If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend.