Amarillo Ranks Among Top 15 Texas Cities for Pedestrian Deaths

When it comes driving, driving is a privilege.

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For some, it becomes a necessity, but on the other hand, some people do not drive or cannot drive, or don't have the means to drive. Therefore they walk where ever they go.

However, pedestrian fatalities continue to rise all over the state of Texas.

According to a study done by Lending Tree's ValuePenguin.com:
More than 1 in 3 (37.6%) pedestrian fatalities in Texas occurred on an interstate or U.S. highway, while another 28.8% happened on a state route or farm-to-market road. That means 2 in 3 (66.4%) occurred on a federal or state roadway rather than a local roadway. Pedestrian fatalities in Texas also disproportionately affect men, who made up 72.5% of pedestrians killed, and pedestrians aged 55 and above - who made up 34.0% of deaths.

The study found that Galveston, Beaumont, and Dallas are the most dangerous city for pedestrians.

However, when looking at statistics in this study, Amarillo came in at #15 for pedestrian fatalities.   Between 2016 and 2020, 25 incidents where pedestrians were injured by vehicles occurred.  During that same time period, 27 pedestrians were killed.

In 2022, 6 pedestrian deaths occurred.  Currently, in 2023 Amarillo has seen 5 pedestrian deaths, and unfortunately while researching this article, an email from the APD came through with the most recent pedestrian death, bringing the 2023 toll to 6 pedestrians, and the year is not even halfway through.

Wednesday, May 10th, Angela Ramirez was killed in the 5600 Block of Amarillo Blvd. near Eastern.  The victim was allegedly hit by two cars, the second car stopped after he felt the vehicle drive over something.  The driver got out of the vehicle to check and saw Ramirez.  Rameriz was allegedly hit by a white car, and the driver left the scene.  At the time of posting the police were still searching for the suspect.

Also according to the Valuepenguin.com pedestrian study, The top three reasons why pedestrians are getting hurt and killed on Texas roadways are - the pedestrian's failure to yield (30.8%), walking or running along a roadway (16.3%) and crossing an expressway (9.3%).  We also found that 27.6% of pedestrians killed in Texas between 2016 and 2020 tested positive for drugs and/or alcohol. 

Drivers need to remain alert and vigilant when driving, pay attention, slow down, don't use phones while driving, and don't drink and drive.

Pedestrians should always be aware of their surroundings, use crosswalks, avoid walking at night if possible, and always be alert.