Authorities say an Amazon commercial truck ran a red light at an intersection on the South Sam Houston Parkway near Highway 288 on Saturday, slamming into a sedan and killing a passenger who was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The sedan’s driver survived the collision, and investigators say he showed no signs of intoxication as deputies continued to process the crash.
Dash-camera video from the truck shows it entering the intersection on a red signal before striking the sedan. Deputies also said the passenger who died was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle, according to KHOU.
What investigators say
The Harris County Sheriff's Office says the Amazon driver first told investigators he had a yellow light. After reviewing the truck’s dash-camera video, deputies concluded the signal was red when the truck entered the intersection. The agency also said the sedan’s driver showed no signs of intoxication and that investigators are still working to identify the passenger who died. The office’s Vehicular Crimes Division is leading the probe, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Investigation and possible charges
Officials say no criminal charges have been filed against the Amazon driver while the investigation continues. Deputies are still reviewing video and witness statements, as reported by KHOU. The station also reported that it contacted Amazon for comment and had not yet received a response.
Seatbelts and ejections
Seatbelts significantly cut the risk of being ejected and fatally injured in a crash. Unrestrained occupants are far more likely to be thrown from a vehicle and killed. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that belt use reduces the risk of fatal injury by roughly 45-60% depending on vehicle type and is a primary protection against ejection, a factor that heavily contributes to the deadliness of crashes, according to the IIHS.
What to watch next
The Harris County Sheriff's Office Vehicular Crimes Division will continue reviewing dash-camera footage and interviewing witnesses as the investigation moves forward. Anyone with information or cellphone video is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 713-221-6000 or Crime Stoppers. Investigators say they may pursue charges if the evidence supports it, per the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
