LAGUNA HEIGHTS – Cameron County constables said they are increasing patrols in the Laguna Heights area, as well as meeting with residents in order to discuss the dangers on crossing a state highway on foot.

Many who live there say it's a common sight.

"Every day. Every day I see people crossing. Students, people who come here to wash clothes and people who come from the other side of the street need to cross," said Anabertha Martinez. She owns a raspa stand just off state Highway 100 in the town.

For the past three years, Martinez has had a front row view of dozens of people crossing the highway on foot.

"Yes, especially the kids. Sometimes they are running and the cars don't see them. The kids don't look at either side of the road to where they are going. It does worry me because sometimes they are in a hurry. And they run. When they don't see cars, they run," said Martinez.

Those who patrol the area also notice the issue.

"Every 30 minutes people cross the street on different areas from the highway," said Saul Sauceda the Precinct 1 constable chief deputy.

Sauceda said they are working to make the area safer, "We're focusing more on residential and the highway, especially at night cause there's no light fixtures at night."

Aside from increasing patrols, Sauceda says they've been meeting with the people of Laguna Heights to get the word out about the dangers of crossing a state highway.

"Cars have the right of way either east bound or west bound," said Sauceda.

While he doesn't encourage it, Sauceda said if people must cross, they need to be a visible as possible, especially at night.

"Try to do as much shopping as you can when it's daylight," said Sauceda.

As Texas Highway 100 leads to the island, Sauceda adds there tends to be a speeding problem which they hope to prevent with this added enforcement.