Dallas is putting digital kiosks on sidewalks to help people get around—but will they really make things safer for walkers? In this blog, we’ll cover why the kiosks are being added, what they do, why people are worried, and if they actually help prevent pedestrian accidents.
Why Are These Kiosks Being Installed?
The city says the new kiosks will give pedestrians better access to information while walking around. They hope this will make it easier to find places and stay safe. Some leaders believe more info equals fewer accidents.
“The Dallas City Council has voted to install digital kiosks to improve pedestrian safety, but not everyone agrees it will work.”
Dallas Has a High Rate of Serious Pedestrian Accidents
Dallas is one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. for people walking. Many Texans are unaware of pedestrian right of way laws creating risky behavior. In fact, pedestrian deaths have gone up across the country, and Texas has more than the national average. Between 2010 and 2019, Texas pedestrian deaths rose 46%, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA).
“Texas has been labeled a focus state for pedestrian danger by the Federal Highway Administration.”
Dallas created a Sidewalk Master Plan in 2021 to fix sidewalk problems and improve safety. The plan promises better walking conditions to reduce injuries and deaths, supporting the city’s goal to make all streets safer.
“The city’s 2021 Sidewalk Master Plan emphasizes pedestrian safety and promises sidewalk improvements.”
In 2024, Dallas reported 208 fatal crashes and 71 pedestrian deaths. Another 162 people were seriously injured. The city’s Vision Zero plan aims to cut serious crashes by 50% by 2030.
What Do Digital Kiosks Actually Do?
Kiosks will offer benefits to walkers, such as free public Wi‑Fi, directions, transit info, and emergency alerts. Some may sell tickets or include cameras to improve safety, and they will support English and Spanish and meet ADA rules for accessibility, too.
“Pedestrians will be able to navigate the city with greater awareness and be less vulnerable to accidents.”
Wi-Fi will reach 150 feet from each kiosk, which are meant to help people in busy areas. City leaders believe more information leads to safer walking.
Why Are Some People Against Them?
Why Are Some People Against Them?Not everyone thinks the kiosks are a good idea. Some say they will make situations less safe for walkers by blocking sidewalks or distracting drivers. Others think they don’t help more than a smartphone or are just for ads and money—not safety.
“They take up space on sidewalks and make it harder for people to walk around.”
Replacing older static signs in place, each kiosk will be about 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Some worry these will just become more clutter on the sidewalks.
Who Benefits Most From Digital Kiosks?
These kiosks aren’t just about safety, they make money for the city through advertising. Each old kiosk already earns Dallas $5,000 a year.
Under the new contract, Dallas will install up to 150 digital kiosks. The city gets a $2 million signing bonus and $770,000 to cancel the old contract. Each kiosk will bring in at least $20,000 per year.
Over the full contract, Dallas could make over $67 million. That’s a big deal for the city budget. But does that help make walking safer?
Do Digital Kiosks Actually Make Walking Safer?
There’s no strong proof that digital kiosks lower pedestrian accidents. The main risks for pedestrian accidents are distracted driving or people crossing unsafely. Kiosks don’t directly stop those things.
“It is unclear how digital kiosks would or could improve the circumstances that lead to pedestrian accidents.”
In Houston, 75 kiosks were installed in 2022. Two years later, people said they get in the way and slow foot traffic. Many said they don’t think the kiosks helped make streets safer.
What Can You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, many crashes are caused by drivers not yielding, speeding, or not paying attention. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, you may have legal options.
The Dallas car accident lawyers at Wolf Law, PLLC understand the vulnerability of pedestrians navigating the city and are are here to help.