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Dallas DART Bus Hits Teen, Sparks Safety Review

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. las-dart-bus-hits-teen-sparks-safety-review.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, January 13th 2026 at 14:39 GMT by WDIO
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Dallas, TX - January 13th, 2026 - A serious incident involving a Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) bus and a 15-year-old pedestrian has prompted community concern and a preliminary review of safety protocols by DART officials. The incident, which occurred Tuesday morning near the intersection of Garland Avenue and Judge Barefoot Road, highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring pedestrian safety near public transportation routes.

The Dallas Police Department (DPD) responded to the scene at approximately 7:45 a.m. and confirmed that the teen was transported to a local hospital for treatment. While details regarding the extent of the injuries remain undisclosed, authorities have stated that an investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances of the collision. DART has issued a brief statement confirming their cooperation with the DPD investigation and emphasizing their commitment to passenger and pedestrian safety.

Community Response and Increased Scrutiny

The incident has sparked considerable discussion within the surrounding community. Garland Avenue and Judge Barefoot Road, located in East Dallas, are known for their mix of residential housing, local businesses, and a steady flow of pedestrian traffic, particularly students attending nearby schools. Residents have expressed concern about the speed of buses in the area and the visibility of pedestrians, especially during the early morning hours when visibility can be limited.

"It's terrifying to think something like this happened so close to home," stated Maria Rodriguez, a resident of the neighborhood. "We've been concerned for a while about bus drivers speeding, and the crosswalks in that area aren't always clearly marked. Something needs to be done to improve safety for everyone."

Social media platforms have been flooded with comments echoing similar sentiments. Many are calling for a comprehensive review of DART's safety protocols, including driver training, speed limits in residential areas, and the implementation of enhanced pedestrian safety measures.

DART's Response and Potential Safety Measures

In response to the incident and community concerns, DART spokesperson, Eleanor Vance, released a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. "DART is deeply concerned about the well-being of the individual involved and is fully cooperating with the Dallas Police Department's investigation," Vance said. "We are committed to ensuring the safety of our riders and the community. As a precaution, we are initiating a preliminary review of bus operations in the vicinity of Garland Avenue and Judge Barefoot Road."

Potential safety measures being considered, according to sources within DART, include:

• Increased Speed Limit Enforcement: Stricter enforcement of posted speed limits, particularly in residential areas and near schools. The possibility of lowering speed limits on specific routes is also being explored.
• Enhanced Driver Training: Reinforcing driver training programs with a particular focus on pedestrian awareness, safe stopping distances, and collision avoidance techniques. This may include refresher courses and updated simulation training.
• Improved Crosswalk Visibility: Assessing the visibility of crosswalks near the incident location and considering improvements such as high-visibility paint, flashing beacons, and pedestrian refuge islands.
• Bus Stop Relocation: Evaluating the placement of bus stops to ensure adequate visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. This could involve relocating stops further from intersections.
• Automated Speed Reduction Technology: A longer-term consideration involves piloting automated speed reduction technology, which would automatically limit bus speed in designated zones, particularly near schools and residential areas. Several cities across the US are already testing such systems.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Implications

The DPD's investigation is ongoing, and the results will be crucial in determining the specific factors that contributed to the incident. Investigators will be examining bus driver records, traffic camera footage, and interviewing witnesses. The outcome of the investigation may lead to criminal charges or civil lawsuits.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety and the need for continuous improvement in public transportation operations. While DART has a generally strong safety record, this event underscores the vulnerability of pedestrians sharing roadways with large vehicles, and highlights the imperative to prioritize safety above all else. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and DART finalizes its safety review.