Harlingen Woman Killed in Pedestrian Accident on Dixieland Road; Family Calls for Increased Safety Measures

Harlingen,Pedestrian

The Harlingen Police Department has confirmed the death of 74-year-old Celia Martinez after she was struck by a vehicle Monday night on Dixieland Road. Martinez, who was walking from a nearby shopping complex, was not using a crosswalk at the time of the accident. Family members are calling for stronger measures to address speeding and improve safety in the area.

Details of the Accident

The tragic incident occurred near the 1300 block of Dixieland Road when Martinez was hit by a southbound vehicle. Sgt. Salvador Carmona of Harlingen PD stated that the driver, who remained at the scene, did not see Martinez until it was too late.

“The driver tried to avoid hitting her but unfortunately, the victim succumbed to her injuries,” said Carmona.

The driver has not been charged at this time, but Harlingen PD is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Family Calls for Action on Speeding

Martinez’s son, Santiago Garcia, expressed his grief over his mother’s death, calling it a preventable tragedy. He emphasized that speeding is a recurring issue on Dixieland Road and hopes that local authorities will take steps to make the area safer.

“There are elderly people who walk these streets, and we need more attention to prevent another accident like this,” Garcia said. He also noted that a nearby high school adds to the need for greater caution and respect for pedestrians.

Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month

This incident comes at a time when the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is kicking off Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month. Last October was the deadliest month for pedestrians in the state, with nearly 200 auto-pedestrian crashes reported in the Rio Grande Valley alone, resulting in 37 deaths and 42 serious injuries.

Ray Pedraza, a spokesperson for TxDOT, emphasized the importance of pedestrian safety.

“Pedestrians should use crosswalks, be visible by wearing reflective clothing, and carry a flashlight if walking at night,” Pedraza advised. “Drivers should always follow speed limits, put away their phones, and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.”

Investigation Ongoing

While the driver involved in Monday night’s crash has not been charged, authorities have not ruled out future charges as the investigation progresses. Harlingen PD is working to determine whether any additional factors contributed to the accident.