The campaign uses virtual reality to reduce crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists, with interactive events planned in high-risk areas across Texas.
SAN ANTONIO — The Texas Department of Transportation has launched a new statewide safety campaign aimed at reducing crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists, with interactive events planned in high-risk areas across Texas.
The campaign, titled “Be Safe. Drive Smart,” uses virtual reality technology to educate drivers about the dangers faced by pedestrians and cyclists on Texas roads. Officials say the effort is focused on areas with higher rates of traffic incidents involving vulnerable road users.
At the center of the campaign is the story of Bryan Kight, a 26-year-old bicyclist who was severely injured in September 2024 when a driver in a Ford Expedition failed to yield while turning left into an Austin bike lane, striking him. Kight required major reconstructive surgeries and spent several months recovering before regaining mobility.
After three days in the hospital, Kight moved in with his parents in the Houston area for three months, relying on a wheelchair, walker and crutches as he relearned how to walk.
The campaign made a stop in San Antonio on Saturday, where transportation officials hosted an event from inside Rivercenter Mall.
At the event, participants were able to try a virtual reality driving challenge designed to simulate real-world traffic scenarios. The exhibit placed users behind the wheel of a campaign-themed Chevrolet Camaro convertible, where they wore a virtual reality headset and were tasked with identifying pedestrians and bicyclists in situations that commonly lead to crashes.
Transportation officials say the immersive experience is intended to help drivers better understand how quickly dangerous situations can develop and encourage safer driving habits statewide.