Dallas has long been known for its bustling streets, but a troubling new report reveals that the city has the highest rate of deadly crashes per capita in Texas. According to the latest findings, the main culprit behind this grim statistic is the design of the city’s streets.
The Alarming Statistics
A study conducted by a workgroup focused on road safety found that, on a per capita basis, Dallas residents are more likely to be killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents than residents in other major Texas cities, such as Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. In fact, the rate of fatal and serious injuries in Dallas was 57% higher than the average of these cities.
This data paints a stark picture of the challenges facing Dallas, a city where traffic fatalities have become a significant public concern. For many, these statistics come as no surprise, given the aggressive driving culture and outdated road designs that seem to prioritize speed over safety.
A Dangerous City for Pedestrians
Dallas has earned the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most dangerous cities in the country for pedestrians. A few years ago, the city adopted a policy aimed at reducing traffic fatalities to zero, but this ambitious goal has yet to be met. The workgroup’s report underscores the critical need for the city to reassess its approach to road safety, particularly when it comes to pedestrian protection.
In neighborhoods like Lakewood Heights, residents have shared their frustrations about the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. One resident, reflecting on her experiences, expressed how she often feels as though drivers have the right of way, leaving pedestrians to watch out for cars instead of the other way around. Red-light running is a common issue, making it more difficult for pedestrians to feel safe crossing streets.
A New Approach to Road Design
Dallas has recognized that something needs to be done. The city has embarked on a project to redesign some of its most dangerous streets. Among these is Skillman Avenue, which is notorious for its high traffic speed and frequent accidents. Despite the speed limit being set at 35 mph, many drivers exceed the limit, putting everyone at risk.
To address these issues, Dallas City Planning Commissioner Melissa Kingston, who led the Safe Street Design Workgroup, has emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the city’s street design. Kingston’s report suggests that the current design, which essentially treats streets as raceways, is a major factor contributing to the high rate of traffic fatalities. The workgroup’s findings reflect this, calling for a shift in the city’s priorities from accommodating high-speed traffic to creating safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Redesign Effort: A Safer Future?
In response to the findings, the city is now working to redesign 20 of its streets, including Skillman Avenue. The plan is to remove one lane of traffic in each direction and replace it with a center turn lane and additional multi-modal lanes for scooters, bikes, and pedestrians. These changes are expected to make the streets safer for everyone, especially pedestrians and cyclists, while still maintaining the flow of traffic.
The redesign of Maple Avenue, currently the most dangerous street in Dallas, is another key part of the plan. As part of the redesign, the city aims to add dedicated turn lanes and implement traffic control signals that will help improve traffic flow. Emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, will also be able to use the center lane to ensure quicker responses to emergencies.
Personal Stories and Community Impact
For many residents, these changes can’t come soon enough. Julia Fisher, a mother with a five-month-old baby, expressed her concerns about walking in the neighborhood, explaining that although she loves getting out for fresh air, she always has to be hyper-aware of her surroundings. Fisher’s story is not unique; countless others in the city share her concerns. The redesigns will hopefully give mothers like her, and other residents, greater peace of mind as they walk the streets of Dallas.
Looking Ahead: Can These Changes Make a Difference?
While the city’s efforts to improve street safety are a step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done. The redesigns, if successfully implemented, will undoubtedly make a significant impact on reducing traffic fatalities and injuries in the long term. However, it is essential that Dallas continues to prioritize road safety and commits to enforcing new policies that protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
As city officials work to make these changes a reality, one thing remains clear: the safety of Dallas residents must become the top priority. By reassessing the city’s street design and creating safer spaces for all road users, Dallas can begin to address its traffic safety crisis and move toward a future where fatalities on the road are no longer the norm.
