In response to a recent incident where a teenager was struck by an SUV while using a crosswalk near Lamar High School, Houston Mayor John Whitmire has mandated additional traffic enforcement measures and improvements to the crossing infrastructure. Whitmire visited the intersection of Westheimer Road and Eastside Street, where the collision occurred, acknowledging the crosswalk's current design flaws, as reported by CW39.
Mayor Whitmire has directed the Houston Police Department to collaborate with both the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and METRO Police to enhance enforcement efforts in this significant area. The visit was to assure the safety of students, and the immediate deployment of traffic enforcement officers will be effective starting today until the end of the week, after which they will work in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies to maintain a steady presence around the school. The initiative also includes the installation of a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) system by Houston Public Works, as per a statement obtained by KHOU 11 News, which will enable students to trigger a red signal promoting safer passage across the busy road.
This action follows a serious incident captured on video, where a 15-year-old student from Lamar High School was hit by an SUV operated by an 85-year-old driver who has since been charged with failing to yield the right of way. Houston Police have addressed the issue indicating, the under-signed crosswalk where the accident took place is in a school zone and was installed at the school principal's request without the need for community notification.
The existing crosswalk lacks sufficient signage and signals, creating treacherous conditions for students—a concern echoed by community members and Council Member Mary Nan Huffman. "Either the crosswalk needs to be removed or it needs flashing lights, things to get people's attention," Huffman stated, recognizing that the good intentions of school administrators might have been misplaced and underscoring the necessity for enhanced safety measures. With these sentiments in mind, Mayor Whitmire has taken a comprehensive approach to safeguard not just students but all pedestrians, as well as cyclists and motorists, within the city. HISD also reiterated its commitment to student safety and has agreed to heightened police patrol visibility during key school hours, working closely with city authorities to prevent any further harm, as indicated in a statement released by the school district and shared by KHOU 11 News.
