Long gaps between crosswalks, poor lighting, and speeding drivers create a deadly mix
When people gathered on Southeast Military Drive to honor Jeanette Espitia, their grief was mixed with frustration. Jeanette, a young mother eight months pregnant, lost her life while trying to cross the street late at night. Her unborn son didn’t survive either. The vigil wasn’t just about mourning. It was about demanding safer streets so no other family has to suffer the same loss.
Jeanette was a mother of three with another baby on the way. Family members say she had just gotten off the bus with her 1-year-old daughter after a quick stop at Walmart to buy diapers. As she tried to cross Southeast Military Drive, she was struck by a car. Her little girl was unharmed, but Jeanette and her unborn son, Jai Jai, later died at the hospital.
Jeanette left behind three young children—a 10-year-old son, a 4-year-old daughter, and her 1-year-old daughter. Family members are now raising funds to help support the children after this devastating loss. The vigil was filled with prayers, candles, and calls for justice—not through punishment, but through prevention. For the Espitia family, honoring Jeanette’s memory means ensuring the community fights for safer streets so no other parent has to make the same heartbreaking sacrifice.
How did the accident happen?
According to a report by KSAT.com, the crash happened around 10:30 p.m. near Old Corpus Christi Highway. Jeanette wasn’t using a crosswalk. The nearest one was hundreds of feet away from where she exited the bus. The driver stopped immediately and cooperated with the police. Officers called it an accident and didn't file charges.
For Jeanette’s family, though, the heartbreak goes beyond the investigation. They believe her death highlights a much bigger problem: the lack of safe pedestrian options in busy areas like this one.
People who live and work near Southeast Military Drive say they’ve been worried about pedestrian safety for years. One resident who walks this stretch daily described the road as “really dangerous.” She pointed out speeding cars, poor lighting, and the long distance to a crosswalk as major hazards. Her concerns are backed by a troubling pattern. Jeanette’s brother Jesse said he’s seen six or seven people killed along this same road in the past 13 years. Even though the city recently added a flashing crosswalk nearby, neighbors say drivers often ignore it.
At the vigil, residents and loved ones made it clear they want action. Suggestions include adding more crosswalks closer to bus stops, improving street lighting, and increasing police patrols to catch speeders. The hope is that Jeanette’s story will push city leaders to make these improvements before more lives are lost in tragic pedestrian accidents.
What dangers do pedestrians face in San Antonio?
Jeanette’s death is not an isolated tragedy. Southeast Military Drive has long been considered one of the more dangerous roads for pedestrians in San Antonio. Without better infrastructure and stricter enforcement, pedestrians remain at constant risk of being hit by motor vehicles.
Some of the most common dangers include:
- Long distances to crosswalks: Bus stops are placed far from designated crosswalks, forcing people to walk several hundred feet out of their way or attempt risky crossings.
- High traffic speeds: Drivers frequently exceed the speed limit, making it difficult for pedestrians to judge when it’s safe to cross.
- Poor lighting at night: Dim or inconsistent streetlights reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, especially after dark.
- Limited enforcement: Residents say police presence is rare in the area, which allows speeding and reckless driving to continue unchecked.
- Ineffective safety measures: Despite the recent installation of a flashing crosswalk, many drivers continue to ignore it, leaving pedestrians vulnerable.
- Heavy traffic volume: This stretch of Southeast Military Drive carries steady traffic throughout the day, creating few natural breaks for people trying to cross.
For people who rely on walking or public transit, these dangers add up to daily risks. Each trip across Southeast Military Drive feels like a gamble, and neighbors fear it’s only a matter of time before another tragedy occurs.
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