Houston being questioned on traffic safety after 2 pedestrians fatally hit by cars within 24 hours

The Houston Police Department is conducting an investigation following a tragic incident where a driver fatally struck a man at Westheimer near Sage Road in the greater Uptown area on Wednesday morning. This incident occurred less than 12 hours after another pedestrian was killed while walking down Long Point Road near Antoine Drive in Spring Branch.

These fatalities have brought attention to concerns regarding the city’s commitment to traffic safety. Mayor John Whitmire emphasized the importance of enforcing traffic laws and implementing initiatives to improve safety. In 2019, the City of Houston launched Vision Zero, aiming to eliminate serious injuries or deaths on city roads by 2030.

However, Mayor Whitmire has raised questions about certain safety measures, such as the removal of downtown medians at Lubbock and Washington, which were initially intended for pedestrian safety. The mayor’s decision to remove these medians and repave the roads is estimated to cost taxpayers about $750,000.

Additionally, the mayor has requested an evaluation of public works projects and expressed concerns about bike lanes on 11th Street in Houston’s Heights, suggesting they may hinder firetrucks. These lanes were installed in 2022, and the mayor is currently considering residents’ feedback before making a decision.

Despite efforts to enhance safety measures, pedestrian fatalities in Houston decreased from 109 in 2022 to 95 in 2023, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. However, serious injuries from traffic accidents increased from 203 in 2022 to 228 in 2023.

Mayor Whitmire emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety initiatives like Vision Zero and protecting cyclists, while also advocating for common-sense approaches to traffic management. He stressed the need for recreational bike paths separate from commuter routes and affirmed his commitment to prioritizing safety over political considerations.