Even with safety upgrades, pedestrians in Laredo still face real risks
Downtown Laredo is undergoing a safety-first makeover in an effort to prevent pedestrian accidents. With heavy foot traffic, busy intersections, growing crowds, and daily commutes, pedestrian safety has become a growing concern.
With new funding and a renewed focus on safer streets, Laredo is making real moves to protect the people who walk its sidewalks every day. From sidewalk upgrades to traffic-calming improvements, the city is investing in making downtown more walkable for pedestrians and, more importantly, safer for everyone.
Revamping Salinas Avenue
According to the Laredo Morning Times (LMT), Laredo’s City Council greenlit a $1.37 million “Downtown Safe Sidewalk Improvements” project along Salinas Avenue, between Iturbide and Water Streets. Funded by a TxDOT Transportation Alternatives grant and local TIRZ-1 matching funds, this project prioritizes pedestrian safety. It includes new sidewalks, curbs, gutters, improved crosswalk markings, lighting upgrades, landscaping, and even utility relocations. Every detail from clearing obstacles to upgrading streetlights is designed to make walking in downtown Laredo safer and easier.
The importance of infrastructure for pedestrian safety
When people think about infrastructure projects, they often picture roadwork delays and detours. But behind the inconvenience is something far more important: pedestrian safety. The design and condition of sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic signals, and lighting can mean the difference between a safe walk across town and a life-changing accident.
In Laredo’s busy downtown, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is essential. Features like wider sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, properly timed signals, and clearly marked crosswalks not only improve the city's appearance but also enhance its accessibility. They protect pedestrians by making them more visible and encouraging drivers to slow down.
How do pedestrian accidents happen?
Even with improvement plans in motion, pedestrian accidents remain a serious issue, often happening in ways that could have been prevented with better infrastructure or more attentive driving.
Some of the most common accident scenarios in downtown areas include:
- Poorly marked or faded crosswalks: When crosswalks aren’t visible, drivers may not know to stop or may ignore them entirely.
- Inadequate lighting: Many accidents occur at night, and poor lighting can make it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians in the street, especially at intersections.
- Lack of traffic signals or signage: In fast-paced downtown zones, intersections without stop signs or walk signals can create confusion and pose a risk.
- Narrow or damaged sidewalks: Crumbling walkways or blocked pedestrian paths can force people to walk in the road, putting them directly in harm’s way.
- Drivers not yielding during turns: Even when pedestrians have the right-of-way, drivers in a rush may turn left or right without checking for oncoming traffic in the crosswalk.
Pedestrians lack airbags, seatbelts, and a steel frame to protect them, making them vulnerable to life-threatening injuries in the event of an accident.
We stand up for injured pedestrians in Laredo
Laredo’s downtown area is becoming safer for pedestrians, but accidents still occur, often because drivers fail to pay attention or yield the right of way. If you’ve been hit while walking, you shouldn't have to worry about the financial strain of medical bills and lost income, on top of everything else.
Attorney John R. Solis and his dedicated legal team have years of experience representing pedestrians who have been injured in Texas. We know how to deal with insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on healing without added stress.
Don’t face the aftermath of a serious pedestrian accident alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the legal support you need to move forward.
"Amazing law firm, very friendly staff. Whenever I had a question, they helped me out; very efficient and professional. I am very grateful for everything they did with my case. I 100% recommend this law firm." — Miguel D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐