Community mourns man killed in southeast Austin motorcycle crash, calls for safety changes

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A memorial now sits at the intersection of FM 973 and Prado Ranch Boulevard in Del Valle, where 38-year-old David Banta was killed in a motorcycle crash last week. "He was one of the best people that I knew, he was such a good man,” said close friend of David, Jace Lacaille. In the days following the crash, community members have launched a petition calling for safety improvements at the intersection. The petition has already gathered nearly 500 signatures, with residents urging the Texas Department of Transportation to take action. Neighbors say the stretch of road can be dangerous and believe more safety measures could help prevent future crashes. "I think some sort of lighting at the entrances, maybe so that folks on the highway could see that there was a turn into a neighborhood there, and then maybe a traffic light,” said nearby resident Brad Sprinks. "I think the most important thing that would save a lot of accidents would be to put a traffic light on both entrances, both entrances,” said nearby resident Manuel Aguilar. In a statement to KXAN, TxDOT said: "Safety is a top priority for TxDOT. Our traffic safety engineers will review this corridor once again. In 2025, a traffic signal study was conducted at the intersection of FM 973 and Prado Ranch Road. At the time of the study, the intersection did not meet the requirements for traffic signals. In 2025, TxDOT completed a safety improvement project on FM 973 from FM 969 to Thyone Drive, widening FM 973 from two lanes to four lanes with a continuous center-turn lane. The project also added new sidewalks.  In addition, TxDOT reviews all fatal crashes. While we can and do implement roadway safety enhancements, TxDOT also encourages drivers to make smart decisions behind the wheel, including obeying the speed limit and driving to conditions, avoiding distractions, and never driving after consuming alcohol." Friends and family shared the importance of Friday's memorial. "He is such a good dude. We had to celebrate his life, right? It's very tough to mourn his death, but we have to celebrate his life," said Lacaille.