APD Launches Pedestrian Enforcement Safety Team

The Austin Police Department recently launched an initiative to increase pedestrian safety. PEST, or Pedestrian Enforcement Safety Team, will promote pedestrian safety education as well as evaluate and work to eliminate traffic hazards to pedestrians.

Pedestrian safety is a crucial issue for Texas, as the state is ranked among the top ten states with the most pedestrian fatalities per 100,000. Since Austin is a very walkable city, Austin residents in particular need extra pedestrian protection. Already this year, 17 pedestrians have been killed in Austin. In order to foster pedestrian safety, PEST will be analyzing crash data to determine the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians, then concentrating their efforts on those areas.

Here are some tips for keeping pedestrians safe:

• Use sidewalks whenever possible.
• Cross streets at intersections, preferably when the pedestrian control device is showing a lit person.
• Wear bright, reflective clothing, and carry a flashlight at night.

If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident, we can help you pursue your case. Contact McMinn Law Firm today.