# Pedestrians in Texas: Walking the Streets Safely | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Face Oncoming Traffic When Walking  2. Single-File Walking 3. Behave in a Predictable Way When Walking  4. Follow Right-of-Way Laws 5. Use Sidewalks When They’re Available  6. Contact the Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Pedestrians in Texas – Walking the Streets Safely](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Pedestrians-in-Texas-–-Walking-the-Streets-Safely-300x200.jpg) [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/), [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/) is home to nearly [2.3 million](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/houstoncitytexas) people. With such a large population, the streets are consistently bustling with drivers and pedestrians.  In today’s busy world, people walking the streets are often distracted by digital devices. The term “pedestrian” encompasses anyone who is walking, skateboarding, or using a wheelchair near the roads.   It is very important for those who are operating motor vehicles to drive responsibly and safely. However, pedestrians should also take steps to keep themselves safe.   If you or someone you love has been involved in a Texas [pedestrian accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/pedestrian-accident-lawyer/), contact a knowledgeable attorney. When you have experienced losses that resulted from another person’s negligence, you may be owed significant financial compensation. ## Face Oncoming Traffic When Walking  One of the most important choices that any pedestrian makes is where to walk. It is always a good idea to walk facing oncoming vehicles. This allows pedestrians to see any car or truck that is approaching. Those walking can also make eye contact with drivers, ensuring that they are seen.  Walking in this direction is an especially good idea if the road has no sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk as far as possible from the side of the roadway. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Single-File Walking When you are walking with another pedestrian, traveling in a single file is the safest approach. This allows all parties to have a similar distance from the edge of the road.  Walking single file is especially important on roads that are winding or curvy. Drivers coming around sharp curves have a very limited field of vision. Pedestrians should do everything possible to keep themselves safe in these circumstances.  ## Behave in a Predictable Way When Walking  When you are walking alongside a roadway, it is critical to engage in predictable behavior. You should never move back and forth from one side of the road to the other.   This type of erratic behavior may confuse motorists and make accidents or injuries much more likely. Even if the road is filled with responsible and safe motorists, pedestrians who make sudden unexpected movements may cause collisions. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Follow Right-of-Way Laws Many drivers believe that pedestrians have the legal [right-of-way](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.552.htm) in all circumstances. While this is a useful general rule, it is not always the case.   In some instances, pedestrians are legally required to cross streets at specified points. These are known as crosswalks. It is important for those walking close to a roadway to follow the directions of all traffic signs and signals. Failing to do so will put you and others in harm’s way.   Even when crossing a public roadway at a marked intersection, pedestrians should ensure that their path is clear and that there are no oncoming vehicles. When walking in the Houston area, it is important to take a defensive approach. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Use Sidewalks When They’re Available  It is always a good idea to walk on a sidewalk when one is available. While you should walk in the opposite direction of traffic, it is more important to walk on a sidewalk.  If only one side of the road features a paved sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on that side.   ## Contact the Houston Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help These are only a few of the most important safety tips for pedestrians in Texas. If you have been injured in an accident while walking along a Texas roadway, it is critical to review the facts of your case with an accomplished attorney.   A skilled legal professional will help you recover [damages](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/damages) to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more. Make sure to hold negligent motorists responsible for the harm that they have caused. Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fattorneybrianwhite%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle/) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Pedestrian Accidents Blog Posts: [![Person in Wheelchair Struck, Killed While Crossing Holmes Road in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Person-in-Wheelchair-Struck-Killed-While-Crossing-Holmes-Road-in-Houston--300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/person-in-wheelchair-struck-and-killed-while-crossing-holmes-road-in-houston/) [Person in Wheelchair Struck and Killed While Crossing Holmes Road in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/person-in-wheelchair-struck-and-killed-while-crossing-holmes-road-in-houston/) Just before 6:00 a.m., a person in a wheelchair crossing a street in southeast Houston died after being struck by a [Pastor Fatally Struck on Sherman Highway While Helping Stranded Motorist](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/pastor-fatally-struck-on-sherman-highway-while-helping-stranded-motorist/) In a tragic accident on July 18, 2020, Houston-area pastor John Powell was struck and killed by a semi-truck as he [![Pedestrian Laws in Texas You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Pedestrian-Laws-in-Texas-You-Need-to-Know-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/pedestrian-laws-in-texas/) [Pedestrian Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/pedestrian-laws-in-texas/) The 2017 Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Mobility Report showed an increase in crashes involving bicyclists and [![Consequences for Hitting a Pedestrian in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Consequences-for-Hitting-a-Pedestrian-in-Texas-300x207.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/consequences-of-hitting-a-pedestrian-in-texas/) [Consequences of Hitting a Pedestrian in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/consequences-of-hitting-a-pedestrian-in-texas/) Texas is not one of the safest states for pedestrians. In 2016, a total of 678 pedestrians died in the Lone Star --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/pedestrians-in-texas-walking-the-streets-safely/