San Antonio residents are about to see novel silhouettes pop up in some of the city's most problematic streets, all part of a new initiative to combat the troubling uptick in pedestrian accidents. Launching the "Keep Crossings SAfe" campaign, the city targets three high-risk corridors identified as part of its High-Injury Network (HIN): Zarzamora Street, Fredericksburg Road, and W.W. White Road. According to a campaign release obtained by the City of San Antonio, the effort is to staunchly focus on education and awareness to reduce serious traffic accidents and fatalities.
Transportation Department Director Catherine "Cat" Hernandez was quoted saying, "The images contained in this crosswalk safety campaign will have an impact because they are relatable and eye-catching." A clear nod to San Antonio's diverse community, the silhouettes are designed to quickly remind drivers that pedestrians could be anyone – perhaps even someone they hold dear. As per last year's TxDOT data highlighted in the initiative, San Antonio streets saw 769 traffic incidents involving pedestrians, with 83 tragic fatalities and 168 serious injuries. These stark numbers have placed the city as the seventh deadliest for pedestrians nationwide, a ranking that the city is looking to swiftly change, as reported by the City of San Antonio.
The public safety initiative zeroes in on behaviors that are known to lead to severe crashes. High on the list are jaywalking, distracted driving, and speeding. It's a known fact that pedestrian fatalities often occur outside designated crosswalks, particularly on high-velocity streets. To specifically address this, plans are now in motion to construct mid-block crossings along Zarzamora Street, part of the Safe Streets for All Grant (SS4A). The City of San Antonio is strongly encouraging residents to always use marked crossings, heed traffic signals, and ensure they remain visible to drivers at all times, especially in the cloak of night.
With the "Keep Crossings SAfe" initiative, San Antonio reasserts its commitment to safer streets and the furthering of the Vision Zero movement, aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. It's a holistic plea for community engagement at a time when one pedestrian accident is one too many. Adhering to the new plans is expected to not just make a dent, but to significantly turn back the tide on the grim traffic statistics the city has been facing in recent years, as per the City of San Antonio.
