Austin Chamber partners with TxDOT to improve pedestrian safety in the Central Texas region

The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce joined local officials and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the announcement of their new pedestrian safety campaign, BE SAFE BE SEEN.

“Here at TxDOT, safety is our top priority,” said Terry McCoy, Austin District Engineer of TxDOT. “Pedestrian fatalities are a growing problem. In 2016, there were 680 pedestrian fatalities on Texas roadways resulting from vehicle crashes.”

Nearly 70 Austinites are killed each year due to traffic crashes on I-35. For each person who dies, eight or more are seriously injured. To address this issue in Austin, the BE SAFE BE SEEN initiative is geared towards informing pedestrians and drivers of their shared responsibility to keep themselves and others safe on Central Texas roads.

“The fact of the matter is that these deaths were all preventable,” said Texas State Representative Celia Israel. “I am glad that TxDOT is being proactive and finding ways to promote safety in our urban core.”

79 percent of most traffic accidents in Austin are caused by distracted drivers, speed, alcohol or drugs, improper movements, the failure to stop or yield the right of way. Recently, just after the Thanksgiving holiday, the media reported a pedestrian killed after being hit by a car in South Austin.

“I think it is important that we recognize everyone plays a role—drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, everyone must follow the rules of the road,” said Brian Manley, Austin Police Chief. “Everyone must obey the signs and traffic signals because that’s how we keep this community safe. That’s how we avoid the tragedies that are occurring on a regular basis.”

Through the BE SAFE BE SEEN program, TxDOT will reach out to local businesses and schools along I-35 in high traffic pedestrian areas and construction zones to increase awareness of pedestrian safety. TxDOT will provide the community with reflective bags, safety maps, and community safety materials. TxDOT will also supply outreach bags and resources for under the bridge clean ups and outreach opportunities to inform the homeless population.

“On behalf of the 2,800 members of the Austin Chamber Commerce, thank you to the men and women in uniform for protecting us,” said Drew Scheberle, Senior Vice President of Federal, State, Education, Talent, and Advocacy of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to sharing this information with our members and appreciate your leadership on this effort.”

The Transportation Committee of the Austin Chamber, which began as part of our Opportunity Austin initiative, works with TxDOT, businesses, and local groups to help influence the direction of mobility and infrastructure in the region.

The press conference was held at TxDOT’s District Headquarters located at 7901 N. I-35. For more information on TxDOT, click here.

For more information on the Austin Chamber’s transportation efforts, visit our website here.