VICTORIA, Texas — Katie Parker nearly lost her life one morning in 2016 when she was hit by a car while jogging with her dog Riley in Victoria, Texas.
They were in a crosswalk when a careless driver slammed into them with such force that Katie was thrown more than 60 feet, according to TxDOT.
Witnesses said Riley jumped in front of Katie and took the brunt of the impact, likely saving Katie's life.
“Sadly, my dog, Riley, did lose her life that day and saved me. I don’t think I’d be here without her," Katie said.
She spent weeks in the hospital followed by years of surgeries and physical therapy. While her scars have mostly healed, the emotional impact lingers.
“The crash changed my life,” Parker said. “I lost my dog, and my sense of safety when crossing the street.”
Now, Katie and her heroic dog are featured in TxDOT's new "Be Safe. Drive Smart" campaign to raise awareness about pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
In 2022, 922 people died in crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists in Texas, according to TxDOT. That's 20% of the total fatalities on Texas roadways. It’s part of a disturbing statewide trend. Pedestrian fatalities increased by 30% and bicyclist fatalities by 28% in the five years from 2018 to 2022.
In 2023, Texas had more than 5,000 crashes involving pedestrians and nearly 2,400 involving cyclists.
“Too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in Texas walking, jogging or biking in their communities,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “We want all Texans—whether you’re behind the wheel, on foot or on a bike—to watch out for each other and follow the rules of the road so everyone gets where they’re going safely.”
“Be Safe. Drive Smart” urges all Texans to learn and follow the laws for safe driving, walking and biking.
TxDOT is sending teams of walking billboards to cities around the state to raise awareness.
Texas traffic laws for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians
If you’re driving in Texas, state law requires you to:
- Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
- When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Pass bikes at a safe distance and give bicyclists room to ride.
- Always follow the speed limit and drive at a safe speed.
If you’re walking:
- Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals, including at crosswalks.
- Use sidewalks. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, unless the left side is obstructed or unsafe.
If you’re riding a bike:
- Always stop at red lights and stop signs.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
- At night, ensure your bike has a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
