Texarkana officials propose 200‑foot street safety zones at signalized intersections after rise in pedestrian fatalities

Texarkana city staff on Wednesday briefed the council on a proposed ordinance to create 200‑foot “street safety zones” around signalized intersections after data showed an increase in pedestrian and pedacyclist injuries and fatalities between 2019 and 2024. Assistant Police Chief Sean Fitzgerald said the department has recorded 116 crashes involving pedestrians from January 2019 through December 2024, producing 108 injuries and 11 fatalities. “We have an issue in Texarkana, Texas with a very large amount of traffic collisions and crashes,” Fitzgerald said.

Why it matters: Council and staff said a disproportionate share of serious crashes occur at signalized intersections and want clearer, uniform enforcement tools and public guidance to reduce harm. City Attorney Jeff Lewis presented the ordinance framework, saying the proposal emphasizes that “pedestrian always loses” in vehicle collisions and aims to reduce exposure near intersections by keeping those areas clear.

Staff presented maps and counts showing roughly 37 crashes involving pedacyclists from 2019–2024 (with two fatalities) and said pedestrian fatalities have ‘‘tripled since 2023’’ in the city’s data set. Lewis explained the proposed zone would extend 200 feet from the intersection center and end at the public right‑of‑way; the ordinance would classify certain conduct within the zones as a class C misdemeanor but list defenses for lawful crossing, emergency responders and authorized work vehicles. Lewis described the proposal as a limited, visible rule to aid enforcement and public understanding.

Chief Fitzgerald said the police department lacks enough officers to place personnel at every problem intersection and called the ordinance part of a toolbox that also includes targeted enforcement and engineering. Sergeant McNally, who leads the traffic unit, said the department would continue to do traffic surveys and site‑specific studies when complaints are received.

What the council did: The briefing ended with the city attorney saying the item will return as a public hearing in October. No ordinance vote occurred Wednesday; council members asked procedural questions and thanked staff for the data and maps.

Details and limits: The ordinance, as described by staff, would not apply to city vehicles working on official business, TxDOT vehicles performing highway work or emergency responders. Lewis said the zones would not extend onto private property or across the state line where jurisdiction differs. The proposal includes specific exceptions for people lawfully crossing and for police direction.

Next steps: City staff will put the ordinance on the council’s October agenda for a public hearing and possible vote.