The tragic death of a man hit by a vehicle near the intersection of Leopard Street and McBride Avenue in Corpus Christi has renewed local concerns about pedestrian safety in the area. Despite warnings from the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD), the lack of clearly marked crosswalks continues to put pedestrians at risk. With only one crosswalk marking present among the four corners at the intersection, residents and officials are questioning the safety measures along this busy stretch.
Limited Crosswalks, Increased Risk
The intersection at Leopard Street and McBride Avenue serves as a critical crossing for pedestrians in a highly trafficked industrial area. Unfortunately, only one of the four corners at this intersection is equipped with a crosswalk. As a result, pedestrians frequently attempt to cross in unsafe areas. According to CCPD Traffic Lieutenant Michael Peña, pedestrians should use the marked intersection to avoid the risks associated with crossing in the middle of Leopard Street.
Earlier this week, Lt. Peña observed two more pedestrians jaywalking in the same area where the man was killed after the fatal accident. This tragic incident highlights a larger issue: the absence of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure along the roadway.
“Pedestrians should cross at the intersection,” Peña stated. “It provides more protection, and if an incident were to occur there, the pedestrian would not be at fault.” This call for safer crossings is not a new one but has become increasingly urgent for residents in the area.
Community Voices Demand Change
Corpus Christi RV Resorts Operations Director Brian Sims emphasized the danger that Leopard Street poses for those who regularly traverse the area. “This isn’t the first time something like this has happened here,” Sims said. “There’s heavy traffic, including industrial trucks, and the lack of sidewalks only adds to the danger. Sidewalks would make a huge difference.”
For those who call this stretch of Leopard Street home, such as Artie Tenberg and his dog Pancho Villa, navigating this roadway is a daily struggle. Tenberg, who has been in the area for about a year, shared his concerns over pedestrian safety. “It’s dangerous,” he said. “The police may give tickets for jaywalking, but they don’t help you cross the street. We need sidewalks here. Every day, someone new is hit. I worry about my dog’s safety too.”
Tenberg believes that a significant number of hit-and-run incidents in the area go unreported, particularly those involving homeless individuals who frequent Leopard Street. “Homeless people don’t get much attention. If they’re hit but not injured badly, they just carry on. Many accidents out here don’t even make the news.”
A Call for Safer Infrastructure
Residents and officials agree that adding sidewalks, crosswalks, and better lighting could significantly reduce the risk of future accidents. While the CCPD emphasizes the importance of crossing at designated intersections, the reality of minimal infrastructure means that pedestrians often face limited options.
For a safer Leopard Street, community leaders are advocating for city improvements to protect pedestrians better. Until then, Lt. Peña and the CCPD urge everyone to use marked intersections and stay vigilant when crossing busy roadways.