Dallas Reports Weekend Pedestrian Deaths Amid ‘Vision Zero’ Traffic Safety Efforts
Dallas: Over the weekend, Dallas witnessed a tragic series of events, with at least three pedestrians losing their lives after being hit by vehicles. These fatalities come just two weeks after a young woman died when a Dallas police cruiser struck her, intensifying concerns about pedestrian safety in the city.
On Sunday afternoon, Dallas police responded to a distressing incident in the 300 block of Pleasant Vista Drive. Witness Vandala Dunn, who called 911, described the horrifying scene. “I saw a lady outside the vehicle, and she was struck by a guy in a black truck,” Dunn recounted. “He dragged her from this end all the way to the next street over. I’m still at a loss for words.”
Police initially responded to a shooting call but later discovered that a vehicle had struck 27-year-old Juana Maria Sanchez Gonzalez. She died at the scene. Authorities do not believe anyone specifically targeted Gonzalez.
Earlier that day, Dallas police dealt with two other fatal pedestrian collisions in separate locations—one on St. Augustine Road in Pleasant Grove and the other overnight in Oak Cliff.
In 2019, Dallas launched the ‘Vision Zero Action Plan’ with the ambitious goal of reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2030. Despite these efforts, 2024 has already seen over 400 pedestrian crashes, with 45 resulting in fatalities—13 more than the same period last year. However, severe injuries from pedestrian crashes have decreased slightly compared to last year.
The Lake June Road Corridor in Pleasant Grove, identified as a high-risk area, recently came under scrutiny. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 40 pedestrian and bicycle-related crashes occurred there. A study by the City of Dallas Department of Transportation revealed several deficiencies, including the need for improved pedestrian indicators, upgraded crosswalk push buttons, and refreshed lane striping throughout the corridor.
Ortiz, who has become more vigilant about road safety since her son’s death, called for greater accountability among drivers. “The vehicle doesn’t kill people; it’s the people and the way you drive,” she emphasized.
The driver responsible for her son’s death, identified as 24-year-old Ramon Garcia Ruiz, remains at large.
In November, Vision Zero progress report that revealed only a few completed action items, with many still “in progress” or not started. Council members have requested a briefing after the investigation suggested a lack of progress on crucial steps to reduce traffic deaths and injuries in Dallas.
As pedestrian fatalities continue to rise, the city must intensify its efforts to meet Vision Zero’s goals and protect its most vulnerable residents.
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