Woman Attempting to Escape an Argument Hit and Killed While Crossing Bandera Road

A woman was hit and killed by a vehicle while attempting to cross Bandera Road on Friday evening, according to a report from News4SanAntonio.¹

Police reported the crash occurred at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Friday, January 16, on Bandera Road near Loop 1604. The woman, later identified as 36-year-old Stacy Rodriguez, was reportedly involved in an argument with another person and attempted to diffuse the situation by crossing the roadway toward a nearby restaurant.

While crossing, she was struck by a white sedan, suffering severe injuries. She was transported to the hospital, where she later died.

The driver remained at the scene and is not facing criminal charges.

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Did You Know?

Across Texas in 2024, one person was killed every two hours and seven minutes in a motor vehicle crash, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation.²

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Winter Pedestrian Hazards in Texas

Although Texas winters are generally mild, pedestrians face heightened risks during the colder months. Shorter daylight hours, reduced visibility, and busy roadways can all increase the likelihood of serious—or fatal—pedestrian accidents, especially at night.

Understanding common winter hazards can help pedestrians make safer decisions when walking near traffic.

Reduced Visibility After Dark

Low visibility is one of the most significant dangers for pedestrians in winter. Many fatal pedestrian crashes occur at night, when drivers may have difficulty seeing people crossing or walking near the roadway.

Factors that reduce visibility include:

• Poorly lit streets

• Dark clothing that blends into surroundings

• Headlight glare from oncoming traffic

• Rain, fog, or mist

Pedestrians can reduce risk by wearing light-colored or reflective clothing and using marked crosswalks whenever possible.

Busy Roads and High-Speed Traffic

Roads like Bandera Road are designed for fast-moving traffic. Vehicles often travel at high speeds, giving drivers little time to react when someone enters the roadway unexpectedly.

Pedestrians should take extra care by:

• Crossing only at marked crosswalks or intersections

• Obeying walk signals and traffic lights

• Making eye contact with drivers before stepping into traffic

Even when drivers are obeying traffic laws, higher speeds can make pedestrian crashes far more severe.

Distractions Increase Risk

Distraction plays a role in many pedestrian accidents. Phones, conversations, and emotional stress can take attention away from traffic conditions.

Pedestrians should avoid:

• Looking at a phone while crossing

• Wearing headphones that block surrounding sounds

• Crossing streets while upset or distracted

Taking a moment to pause, breathe, and focus can help prevent tragic outcomes.

Alcohol and Emotionally Charged Situations

Alcohol use and emotional distress can impair judgment and reaction time, and both are more common during the winter months. Arguments, fear, or stress may cause someone to cross a street quickly without fully assessing traffic.

When a situation feels unsafe, it may be better to move to a well-lit area, stay put, or call for help rather than crossing a busy road at night.

What Drivers Should Watch For

Drivers also play a critical role in pedestrian safety—especially after dark. Even if pedestrians behave in an unexpected way, drivers have a responsibility to remain vigilant and be prepared for the unexpected.

The best way drivers can accomplish this includes simple actions like:

• Slow down at night and in poorly lit areas

• Watch carefully near restaurants, shopping centers, bus stops, and crosswalks

• Use headlights when conditions are dark

• Avoid distractions (such as phone use, conversations, and eating)

Pedestrian crashes are often fatal because the human body has little protection against the force of a moving vehicle, even at lower speeds.

When Legal Options May Apply

Even if a driver is not criminally charged, a pedestrian’s family may still have legal options. Civil claims focus on negligence, not criminal fault.

In fatal cases, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek accountability and financial support after a loss if a driver was careless.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you or a loved one is struck by a vehicle:

• Call 911 immediately (you are legally required to call the police if anyone is injured in an auto accident)

• Seek medical attention right away

• Document the scene if possible

• Avoid speaking with insurance companies without legal guidance

Pedestrian injuries are often severe and life-changing, making early action especially important.

Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Pedestrian Accident? Call Shaw.

If you or your family were affected by a pedestrian accident, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses or funeral costs

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

• Lost income or financial support

• And More

We’ll help you find out for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak to an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer about your legal options. No cost, no obligations—just the expert advice you need when you need it the most.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹News4SanAntonio report

²TxDOT Crash Facts 2024