The stunt is part of TxDOT's "Be Safe. Drive Smart" campaign. The time change means fewer daylight hours and reduced visibility, which makes people on foot harder to spot. TxDOT picked intersections with heavy foot traffic or a history of pedestrian crashes.
If you drive near University, the ask is simple. Scan for pedestrians everywhere. Stop and yield in crosswalks, and yield the right of way when turning. Put your phone away before you begin driving. Use extra caution when passing stopped vehicles, since they can block your view of someone crossing. SUV and pickup drivers need to take special care because those vehicles have large blind spots.
Pedestrians have homework too. Cross only at intersections and crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers, and never assume traffic will stop for you. Look left, right, then left again. Skip the phone and earbuds. When it's dark, wear reflective materials or carry a flashlight.
In the Lubbock area in 2025, 88 crashes involving pedestrians ended with 11 deaths and 11 serious injuries.