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Pedestrian deaths are increasing. CCPD Chief Markle tells us how to keep ourselves safe

Remaining vigilant whether you're driving or walking/cycling is key.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A recent Texas Department of Transportation report shows that fatal traffic accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists are up 30 percent statewide, and it's a statistic that doesn't surprise Corpus Christi Police Department Chief Michael Markle.

"It's a big thing, it's a big issue," he said in an interview with Mike Gillaspia on Wednesday. "So if you think about our own fatality accidents last year, we had 30 fatality accidents. Ten of those are pedestrians outside of walkways in the street . . . and seven of those were bicyclists -- not necessarily their fault, but they do need to be vigilant."

He said the way to reverse the trend is through educating the public about the causes, such as distracted driving, and to remind drivers and pedestrians to be alert on the road. 

"We need to really pay attention to our environment and follow the rules," he said. "Use lighted crosswalks, use areas where its more protected than those, certainly, in the middle of the roadway."

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