City Worker Hit By Car Dies
One city worker was killed and another was injured when a car hit them while they worked in southeast Houston on Friday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Houston police said a woman driving a Toyota Camry hit the workers while they unloaded pallets in the median of Sabo Road near Kirkhill Drive at about 12:30 p.m. "A car in the left lane came up from behind them and struck both of the workers that were on the ground as well as the back corner of the truck," Sgt. G.T. Hall said. "Then the vehicle veered to the right and ended up there on the sidewalk in the grass."
The impact killed Harold Norwood, 44. Worker Larry Williams, 44, was rushed to a nearby hospital. He suffered multiple injuries and is expected to recover. Four other city workers were not injured. The driver was upset and taken to a nearby hospital to be checked out.
The workers had responded to a 311 call from a citizen, officials said. "This one here, this is just your normal everyday traffic and people not controlling their speed and watching out for city employees working in the right-of-way," said Eric Dargan with Public Works.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
December 11, 2007 Man walking on roadway hit by car and dies
Dec. 11, 2007
Man walking on roadway hit by car and dies
Houston Chronicle
An unidentified man died on Spring Stuebner Road after a vehicle struck him as he walked in traffic late Monday, the sheriff's department reported.
The man died in the 3300 block of Spring Stuebner in northwest Harris County at about 11:10 p.m., deputies reported. He carried no identification.
The man was walking toward oncoming traffic about eight feet from the curb when he was struck, investigators said in a statement. The driver of the vehicle that struck the man told investigators he swerved to avoid the man but the right front bumper of his car hit the man.
The man was thrown up onto the car's hood, crashed against the windshield and fell back to the street, investigators said.
No citations were issued. The accident remains under investigation. No description of the man was immediately available this morning.
Man walking on roadway hit by car and dies
Houston Chronicle
An unidentified man died on Spring Stuebner Road after a vehicle struck him as he walked in traffic late Monday, the sheriff's department reported.
The man died in the 3300 block of Spring Stuebner in northwest Harris County at about 11:10 p.m., deputies reported. He carried no identification.
The man was walking toward oncoming traffic about eight feet from the curb when he was struck, investigators said in a statement. The driver of the vehicle that struck the man told investigators he swerved to avoid the man but the right front bumper of his car hit the man.
The man was thrown up onto the car's hood, crashed against the windshield and fell back to the street, investigators said.
No citations were issued. The accident remains under investigation. No description of the man was immediately available this morning.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
November 11, 2007 Houston, Driver flees after fatal collision with pedestrian
Article published by the Houston Chronicle.
Driver flees after fatal collision with pedestrian
A driver fatally struck a pedestrian in east Harris County early this morning, then fled without offering any help, authorities said. The victim, who has not been identified, was walking along the 1200 block of southbound Freeport about 3:30 a.m., when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Harris County Sheriff's deputies said.
The vehicle that struck the man may have been a dark-colored pickup truck, deputies said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Driver flees after fatal collision with pedestrian
A driver fatally struck a pedestrian in east Harris County early this morning, then fled without offering any help, authorities said. The victim, who has not been identified, was walking along the 1200 block of southbound Freeport about 3:30 a.m., when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Harris County Sheriff's deputies said.
The vehicle that struck the man may have been a dark-colored pickup truck, deputies said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Friday, November 2, 2007
November 2, 2007 Bicyclist struck, killed in northeast Harris County
Houston Chronicle
Bicyclist struck, killed in northeast Harris County
By LINDSAY WISE
A man riding a bicycle was struck by a car and killed this evening in northeast Harris County, a sheriff's official said. The bicyclist was riding southbound on the shoulder of a feeder road in the 800 block of South Main about 5 p.m. when the driver of a Chevrolet Malibu crossed onto the shoulder and hit him, said Lt. John Martin. The man was thrown several feet from his bike and died on the scene, Martin said. His identification is pending notification of family members, but Martin said the man appeared to be in his 40s.
The case will be referred to grand jury to determine whether any charges will be filed against the driver of the Malibu, he said.
Bicyclist struck, killed in northeast Harris County
By LINDSAY WISE
A man riding a bicycle was struck by a car and killed this evening in northeast Harris County, a sheriff's official said. The bicyclist was riding southbound on the shoulder of a feeder road in the 800 block of South Main about 5 p.m. when the driver of a Chevrolet Malibu crossed onto the shoulder and hit him, said Lt. John Martin. The man was thrown several feet from his bike and died on the scene, Martin said. His identification is pending notification of family members, but Martin said the man appeared to be in his 40s.
The case will be referred to grand jury to determine whether any charges will be filed against the driver of the Malibu, he said.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
October 27, 2007 Houston, Pedestrian killed trying to cross SW Houston roadway
Published by Houston Chronicle
Pedestrian killed trying to cross SW Houston roadway
A pedestrian was struck by a car and killed on West Sam Houston Tollway at Beechnut tonight. The unidentified pedestrian was hit about 9:20 p.m. Shortly afterward, all southbound mainlanes of the tollway were closed at US-59.
Harris County Precinct 5 Constables are investigating the incident. No further information was immediately available.
Pedestrian killed trying to cross SW Houston roadway
A pedestrian was struck by a car and killed on West Sam Houston Tollway at Beechnut tonight. The unidentified pedestrian was hit about 9:20 p.m. Shortly afterward, all southbound mainlanes of the tollway were closed at US-59.
Harris County Precinct 5 Constables are investigating the incident. No further information was immediately available.
Monday, October 15, 2007
October 14, 2007 Houston, Toddler Injured In Hit-And-Run
News link.
A toddler was critically injured in a hit-and-run in southwest Houston late Sunday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Houston police said the 2-year-old girl was hit by a car as she and her family left a flea market on Windswept Lane near the Southwest Freeway at about 9 p.m. The family was in a crosswalk when the girl was hit. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver kept going and crashed into two cars in a parking lot on Windswept Lane near Hillcroft Street, police said.
Investigators said the driver was arrested and faces charges of failure to stop and render aid. Witnesses said the driver appeared to be intoxicated.
A toddler was critically injured in a hit-and-run in southwest Houston late Sunday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Houston police said the 2-year-old girl was hit by a car as she and her family left a flea market on Windswept Lane near the Southwest Freeway at about 9 p.m. The family was in a crosswalk when the girl was hit. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver kept going and crashed into two cars in a parking lot on Windswept Lane near Hillcroft Street, police said.
Investigators said the driver was arrested and faces charges of failure to stop and render aid. Witnesses said the driver appeared to be intoxicated.
October 15, 2007 Houston, Bicyclist Killed In Hit-And-Run
News link.
A bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run near Tomball on Sunday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Harris County sheriff's deputies said a man was riding his bike in the northbound lane of Calvert Road at about 2:30 a.m. A witness said she heard a collision and saw a four-door, black Chevrolet 3500 series pickup truck. Investigators said the pickup truck's driver did not stop to help the bicyclist.
The man died at the scene. His name was not released. Officials said the pickup truck should have front-end damage with possible headlight and windshield damage.
A bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run near Tomball on Sunday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Harris County sheriff's deputies said a man was riding his bike in the northbound lane of Calvert Road at about 2:30 a.m. A witness said she heard a collision and saw a four-door, black Chevrolet 3500 series pickup truck. Investigators said the pickup truck's driver did not stop to help the bicyclist.
The man died at the scene. His name was not released. Officials said the pickup truck should have front-end damage with possible headlight and windshield damage.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
October 9, 2007 Houston, Pedestrian injured by Metro bus at Walker and Bagby
Published by Houston Chronicle.
Pedestrian injured by Metro bus at Walker and Bagby
A Metro bus struck and injured a woman in downtown Houston this afternoon. The bus was turning from Walker onto Bagby shortly before 5 p.m. when it hit the woman, who was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital with arm, neck and back injuries, said Metro spokeswoman Raequel Roberts.
No one on the bus was injured in the accident. The bus driver was at fault because the woman had the right of way as a pedestrian, Roberts said. She said the driver will undergo drug testing and an investigation by First Transit, the company that runs garages for Metro.
Pedestrian injured by Metro bus at Walker and Bagby
A Metro bus struck and injured a woman in downtown Houston this afternoon. The bus was turning from Walker onto Bagby shortly before 5 p.m. when it hit the woman, who was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital with arm, neck and back injuries, said Metro spokeswoman Raequel Roberts.
No one on the bus was injured in the accident. The bus driver was at fault because the woman had the right of way as a pedestrian, Roberts said. She said the driver will undergo drug testing and an investigation by First Transit, the company that runs garages for Metro.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
October 3, 2007 Houston, Woman Hit While Crossing Freeway Feeder
Article published by Click2Houston. Often wonder if drivers could avoid hitting pedestrians if they would pay more attention to driving.
A woman was hit by a car while she tried to cross a freeway feeder road early Wednesday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Harris County sheriff's deputies said the woman was thrown several feet and hit a curb when she was hit on the westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway frontage road near Westside Parkway at about 1:20 a.m. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was transported by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition.
Detectives said the woman's car was found parked about a mile away on Westside Parkway with the engine running. "At this time we're unsure why the female was attempting to cross the roadway," Deputy Matthew Smith said.
The driver passed drug and alcohol tests administered at the scene. Officials said she was not ticketed and will not face any charges. Investigators said they will test the victim to see if she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A woman was hit by a car while she tried to cross a freeway feeder road early Wednesday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Harris County sheriff's deputies said the woman was thrown several feet and hit a curb when she was hit on the westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway frontage road near Westside Parkway at about 1:20 a.m. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was transported by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition.
Detectives said the woman's car was found parked about a mile away on Westside Parkway with the engine running. "At this time we're unsure why the female was attempting to cross the roadway," Deputy Matthew Smith said.
The driver passed drug and alcohol tests administered at the scene. Officials said she was not ticketed and will not face any charges. Investigators said they will test the victim to see if she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
September 25, 2007 Houston, Pedestrian Critically Injured In Hit-And-Run
Following article publisehd by click2houston.com.
A pedestrian was thrown up to 100 meters in a hit-and-run in northwest Harris County late Tuesday, officials told KPRC Local 2.
Harris County sheriff's deputy said the pedestrian was hit as he crossed Jones Road near Mills Road at about 11:20 p.m. The driver took off after the man was thrown 75 to 100 meters, officials aid. The man was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Detectives said it was unlikely that he would survive.
Investigators said the man was not in a crosswalk.
UPDATE published by click2houston.com. It makes me wonder why aren't drivers that kill pedestrians and others using non-motorised vehicles taken to court for murder, not involuntary man slaughter but murder. Any person who drives must know that a vehicle is a weapon that can kills if used incorrectly - just like a hand gun.
Pedestrian Dies From Hit-And-Run Injuries
A pedestrian died from injuries suffered in a hit-and-run in northwest Harris County, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.
Harris County sheriff's deputies said a sport utility vehicle hit James McLemore as he crossed Jones Road near Mills Road at about 11:20 p.m. Tuesday. McLemore, 22, was thrown 75 to 100 meters. He was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he died on Wednesday. Investigators said the driver did not stop to help McLemore. A witness told deputies that the SUV was dark-colored, but was not able to get any other details.
McLemore's mother said her son dreamed of becoming a paramedic. "The image of seeing him laying in the street and somebody just hit him and left him, that's been the hardest thing to deal with," Regina McLemore said. "The reason why I pull out the pictures is because they give me comfort." Regina McLemore said she hopes the driver will see pictures of her son and come forward.
"He needs to look at the pictures to get the image of him laying in the street," she said. "Once you get the image of him out and remember the happy times we had with him, that helps heal."
Detectives said the vehicle that hit McLemore has front-end damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPs.
A pedestrian was thrown up to 100 meters in a hit-and-run in northwest Harris County late Tuesday, officials told KPRC Local 2.
Harris County sheriff's deputy said the pedestrian was hit as he crossed Jones Road near Mills Road at about 11:20 p.m. The driver took off after the man was thrown 75 to 100 meters, officials aid. The man was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Detectives said it was unlikely that he would survive.
Investigators said the man was not in a crosswalk.
UPDATE published by click2houston.com. It makes me wonder why aren't drivers that kill pedestrians and others using non-motorised vehicles taken to court for murder, not involuntary man slaughter but murder. Any person who drives must know that a vehicle is a weapon that can kills if used incorrectly - just like a hand gun.
Pedestrian Dies From Hit-And-Run Injuries
A pedestrian died from injuries suffered in a hit-and-run in northwest Harris County, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.
Harris County sheriff's deputies said a sport utility vehicle hit James McLemore as he crossed Jones Road near Mills Road at about 11:20 p.m. Tuesday. McLemore, 22, was thrown 75 to 100 meters. He was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he died on Wednesday. Investigators said the driver did not stop to help McLemore. A witness told deputies that the SUV was dark-colored, but was not able to get any other details.
McLemore's mother said her son dreamed of becoming a paramedic. "The image of seeing him laying in the street and somebody just hit him and left him, that's been the hardest thing to deal with," Regina McLemore said. "The reason why I pull out the pictures is because they give me comfort." Regina McLemore said she hopes the driver will see pictures of her son and come forward.
"He needs to look at the pictures to get the image of him laying in the street," she said. "Once you get the image of him out and remember the happy times we had with him, that helps heal."
Detectives said the vehicle that hit McLemore has front-end damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPs.
Monday, September 24, 2007
September 24, 2007 Pedestrian killed in traffic at W. Bellfort and Scott
Article published by the Chronicle.
A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of W. Bellfort and Scott this morning, police said.
The person who died had just gotten off a Metro bus, police said.
Other details of the incident, which occurred shortly before 6 a.m., were not immediately available.
An article publishe by Click2Houston.
A pedestrian was killed as he tried to cross a southeast Houston street on Monday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Houston police said the man got off a bus and was walking diagonally in the intersection of Bellfort and Scott streets at about 6:30 a.m. A minivan hit the man in the street, police said. He died a short time later. His identity was not released.
Investigators said the driver of the minivan stopped to help the man. She was not speeding and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, officials said. Police said the incident appeared to be accidental.
A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of W. Bellfort and Scott this morning, police said.
The person who died had just gotten off a Metro bus, police said.
Other details of the incident, which occurred shortly before 6 a.m., were not immediately available.
An article publishe by Click2Houston.
A pedestrian was killed as he tried to cross a southeast Houston street on Monday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Houston police said the man got off a bus and was walking diagonally in the intersection of Bellfort and Scott streets at about 6:30 a.m. A minivan hit the man in the street, police said. He died a short time later. His identity was not released.
Investigators said the driver of the minivan stopped to help the man. She was not speeding and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, officials said. Police said the incident appeared to be accidental.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
August 23, 2007 Houston Pedestrian killed when driver loses control of car
Following articles was published by the Houston Chronicle.
A 70-year-old man selling newspapers by the side of the road died Wednesday after a car struck him near the intersection of S. Dairy Ashford and Westheimer, police said.
A man was driving a white Chevrolet Camaro north in the center lane of S. Dairy Ashford about 4:15 p.m. when he lost control of his car and swerved into the left lane across the median and struck a white Saturn sedan that was stopped waiting in the left turn lane, said Sgt. L.H. Leffler of HPD.
The Camaro then struck the man selling newspapers in the median and hit a tan Toyota SUV before coming to rest on top of the median, Leffler said. The man, whose identity has not been released, was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but Leffler said the roadway was slick from recent rains.
A 70-year-old man selling newspapers by the side of the road died Wednesday after a car struck him near the intersection of S. Dairy Ashford and Westheimer, police said.
A man was driving a white Chevrolet Camaro north in the center lane of S. Dairy Ashford about 4:15 p.m. when he lost control of his car and swerved into the left lane across the median and struck a white Saturn sedan that was stopped waiting in the left turn lane, said Sgt. L.H. Leffler of HPD.
The Camaro then struck the man selling newspapers in the median and hit a tan Toyota SUV before coming to rest on top of the median, Leffler said. The man, whose identity has not been released, was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but Leffler said the roadway was slick from recent rains.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
August 14, 2007 Houston Pedestrian Killed In Hit-And-Run
Article published by Click2Houston.com
A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run on a dark north Harris County road on Monday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Harris County sheriff's deputies said a black Dodge Ram pickup truck hit Roberto San Juan as he crossed Lillja Road near Aldine Mail Road at about 8:30 p.m. "Once he struck the pedestrian, he fled the scene without stopping," Deputy Leo Anders said. San Juan died at the scene.
A witness saw everything, officials said. "The witness said that the vehicle frequents the roadway at a high rate of speed several times during the day and stops at the local stores here in the area," Anders said. "He does frequent the area and we believe he is a resident in the area."
Investigators said the truck has front-end damage and possibly windshield damage. The driver is a Hispanic man in his 30s, deputies said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Harris County Sheriff's Office Traffic Enforcement at 713-674-5393 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run on a dark north Harris County road on Monday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Harris County sheriff's deputies said a black Dodge Ram pickup truck hit Roberto San Juan as he crossed Lillja Road near Aldine Mail Road at about 8:30 p.m. "Once he struck the pedestrian, he fled the scene without stopping," Deputy Leo Anders said. San Juan died at the scene.
A witness saw everything, officials said. "The witness said that the vehicle frequents the roadway at a high rate of speed several times during the day and stops at the local stores here in the area," Anders said. "He does frequent the area and we believe he is a resident in the area."
Investigators said the truck has front-end damage and possibly windshield damage. The driver is a Hispanic man in his 30s, deputies said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Harris County Sheriff's Office Traffic Enforcement at 713-674-5393 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Friday, August 10, 2007
August 10, 2007 Pedestrian Critically Injured When Hit By Car
Following articles was published by Click2Houston.com. Pedestrians should stop getting in the way of vehicles.
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas -- A pedestrian was critically injured when a car hit him in Friendswood late Thursday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Friendswood police said a driver swerved to avoid hitting the 54-year-old man in the intersection of F.M. 518 and Dunbar Estates at about 10:50 p.m. The man was hit when he moved into the same lane the driver swerved into, officials said.
Investigators said the man was transported by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition. He suffered head trauma and broken bones, officials said.
The incident was ruled accidental and the driver is not expected to face charges.
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas -- A pedestrian was critically injured when a car hit him in Friendswood late Thursday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
Friendswood police said a driver swerved to avoid hitting the 54-year-old man in the intersection of F.M. 518 and Dunbar Estates at about 10:50 p.m. The man was hit when he moved into the same lane the driver swerved into, officials said.
Investigators said the man was transported by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition. He suffered head trauma and broken bones, officials said.
The incident was ruled accidental and the driver is not expected to face charges.
Monday, August 6, 2007
August 6, 2007 Houston, Looking both ways before you cross? Look again
Following article was published by khou.com.
The lesson you learned from your parents about crossing the street may not cut it anymore in Houston. An new and still unreleased report obtained by 11 News found that the “look both ways” rule may not be enough anymore in Harris County – especially for the elderly, for whom crossing the street has become a deadly endeavor.
One of the first images seen when this story started was a man about to walk across a street when a cement truck ran right in front of him. He paused, then kept on going. It’s something that happens often to Eloise Lee. “I just have to jump out of the way,” she said. Like many seniors, she walks to the grocery store and then walks home. “But I have to be very careful on Stella Link,” she said. “Because they’ll run over you.”
Sheila Holbrook-White is putting together a report of how many pedestrians, especially people over age 55, have been killed crossing Texas roads. Using federal statistics, she found that 60 people age 55 and up have been hit by cars and killed in Harris County between 2002 and 2005. That rate is twice the national average. More disturbing: In southwest Houston, there are clusters of deaths. Bellaire Boulevard is the worst of all.
Three elderly people have been struck and killed near Hillcroft, and a total of seven have died within just 1 mile. The “Walk Well Texas” study appears to be the first time anyone has mapped those deaths. “It seems to me that there should be some big red alert zone around any area where you’re finding more than one or two or three clusters of fatalities,” Holbrook-White said.
On Bellaire, a busy Fiesta Mart is across the street from bus stops and apartment complexes. People were crossing with groceries, jaywalking with young children, all while and drivers jumped the lights.
Just blocks away at the Bayland Community Center, even seniors who are fleet on their feet - say traffic has them feeling trapped. “The lights are not timed right,” Betty Denton said. “The lights don’t give them enough time to cross the street.”
In Houston, the pedestrian signals are timed, and they assume that you will be able to walk 3 feet per second when you’re crossing an intersection. That’s hard enough to do. And the older people get, the harder they say it is to move that quickly.
“Most older adults walk between 1.8 and 2.5 [feet per second],” Holbrook-White said. “It’s really easy to get stuck in the middle of an intersection if you walk considerably slower than what the signal assumes that you’re doing. And that’s when people get stuck.” “Unless you run, you can’t get across the street before that goes off,” Denton said.
Engineers say new construction techniques will help improve some intersections. One of the more dangerous state roads in the county is Highway 6, which TxDOT is about to rebuild.
“Overall, I think we are seeing much more being done in state highway design that wasn’t done previously, and that’s allowing for pedestrians and bicycle traffic,” TxDOT spokeswoman Janelle Gbur said.
The City of Houston maintains roads like Bellaire Boulevard. A spokesman for public works said he can’t comment on the “Walk Well Texas” report until it’s officially released but said the city’s pedestrian crossings meet federal safety standards. In the meantime, people like Harry Barnett say it’s just common sense: “It’s a question of having patience to wait, not being in a hurry right away,” he said.
Don’t trust a light or the drivers to help you cross. He said if you’re elderly, you’re on your own.
City of Houston spokesman Alvin Wright said you should call 311 if you have concerns about a particular intersection. Since many of those deaths happened between intersections, he wants to remind everyone that jaywalking is against the law.
Also on line
Map: Deaths of people age 55 and up from 2002-05
The Bellaire Cluster
Pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people, U.S. and Texas, 2000-05
Pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: Older Texans
E-mail 11 News reporter Lee McGuire
The lesson you learned from your parents about crossing the street may not cut it anymore in Houston. An new and still unreleased report obtained by 11 News found that the “look both ways” rule may not be enough anymore in Harris County – especially for the elderly, for whom crossing the street has become a deadly endeavor.
One of the first images seen when this story started was a man about to walk across a street when a cement truck ran right in front of him. He paused, then kept on going. It’s something that happens often to Eloise Lee. “I just have to jump out of the way,” she said. Like many seniors, she walks to the grocery store and then walks home. “But I have to be very careful on Stella Link,” she said. “Because they’ll run over you.”
Sheila Holbrook-White is putting together a report of how many pedestrians, especially people over age 55, have been killed crossing Texas roads. Using federal statistics, she found that 60 people age 55 and up have been hit by cars and killed in Harris County between 2002 and 2005. That rate is twice the national average. More disturbing: In southwest Houston, there are clusters of deaths. Bellaire Boulevard is the worst of all.
Three elderly people have been struck and killed near Hillcroft, and a total of seven have died within just 1 mile. The “Walk Well Texas” study appears to be the first time anyone has mapped those deaths. “It seems to me that there should be some big red alert zone around any area where you’re finding more than one or two or three clusters of fatalities,” Holbrook-White said.
On Bellaire, a busy Fiesta Mart is across the street from bus stops and apartment complexes. People were crossing with groceries, jaywalking with young children, all while and drivers jumped the lights.
Just blocks away at the Bayland Community Center, even seniors who are fleet on their feet - say traffic has them feeling trapped. “The lights are not timed right,” Betty Denton said. “The lights don’t give them enough time to cross the street.”
In Houston, the pedestrian signals are timed, and they assume that you will be able to walk 3 feet per second when you’re crossing an intersection. That’s hard enough to do. And the older people get, the harder they say it is to move that quickly.
“Most older adults walk between 1.8 and 2.5 [feet per second],” Holbrook-White said. “It’s really easy to get stuck in the middle of an intersection if you walk considerably slower than what the signal assumes that you’re doing. And that’s when people get stuck.” “Unless you run, you can’t get across the street before that goes off,” Denton said.
Engineers say new construction techniques will help improve some intersections. One of the more dangerous state roads in the county is Highway 6, which TxDOT is about to rebuild.
“Overall, I think we are seeing much more being done in state highway design that wasn’t done previously, and that’s allowing for pedestrians and bicycle traffic,” TxDOT spokeswoman Janelle Gbur said.
The City of Houston maintains roads like Bellaire Boulevard. A spokesman for public works said he can’t comment on the “Walk Well Texas” report until it’s officially released but said the city’s pedestrian crossings meet federal safety standards. In the meantime, people like Harry Barnett say it’s just common sense: “It’s a question of having patience to wait, not being in a hurry right away,” he said.
Don’t trust a light or the drivers to help you cross. He said if you’re elderly, you’re on your own.
City of Houston spokesman Alvin Wright said you should call 311 if you have concerns about a particular intersection. Since many of those deaths happened between intersections, he wants to remind everyone that jaywalking is against the law.
Also on line
Map: Deaths of people age 55 and up from 2002-05
The Bellaire Cluster
Pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people, U.S. and Texas, 2000-05
Pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: Older Texans
E-mail 11 News reporter Lee McGuire
Thursday, July 26, 2007
July 25, 2007 Neighbors catch driver after boy, 9, dies in hit-and-run
Following article was published by the Houston Chronicle.
Roy Lopez, 9, died Wednesday after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in southeast Houston. The driver, a 19-year-old woman, and a passenger in her car were taken into custody.
A 9-year-old boy died Wednesday after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in southeast Houston, police said. Hours after being killed, the unidentified boy's body lay in a ditch covered by a yellow tarp in the 9600 block of Avenue J.
His bicycle and a green car bumper — belonging to the car that struck him — were nearby. Police said the boy was struck by a woman who lost control of her car about 5:30 p.m. as he played in a neighbor's driveway, a short distance away from his home. The driver, a 19-year-old woman, drove away in her Accord, leaving car parts behind, police said.
Stunned and angry neighbors, who witnessed the hit-and-run, chased the woman until she stopped a few blocks away from what now had become a crime scene.
The unidentified woman and a male passenger were taken into custody. Charges of felony hit-and-run were pending late Wednesday, police said. The woman showed little emotion after being taken into custody, said officer J. T. Walsh, an HPD spokesman. "She was passive," Walsh said. "It was unusual from what you would think."
Neighbors said children are often riding their bikes and playing in the east Houston Manchester neighborhood. They are constantly in danger, said neighbors, because of misplaced stop signs and speeding cars. "They freak us out," said Bianca Torres, 8.
Maria Torres, whose son often rides his bike throughout the day, said her 7-year-old daughter, Destinee, and another girl were almost killed by a truck last year. The two survived only because they fell in a ditch, and the truck rolled over them without seriously injuring either. "They barely made it," she said.
Torres said the stop signs on 96th and the parallel streets are in "odd places." She said the signs should be on Avenue J and the parallel streets because the houses sit on those streets, and that is where the children play. The signs would slow vehicles down, Torres said.
Susie Campos, whose children all grew up in Manchester, said that drivers who don't live in their neighborhood have been speeding down the streets with no regard for the stop signs.
Roy Lopez, 9, died Wednesday after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in southeast Houston. The driver, a 19-year-old woman, and a passenger in her car were taken into custody.
A 9-year-old boy died Wednesday after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in southeast Houston, police said. Hours after being killed, the unidentified boy's body lay in a ditch covered by a yellow tarp in the 9600 block of Avenue J.
His bicycle and a green car bumper — belonging to the car that struck him — were nearby. Police said the boy was struck by a woman who lost control of her car about 5:30 p.m. as he played in a neighbor's driveway, a short distance away from his home. The driver, a 19-year-old woman, drove away in her Accord, leaving car parts behind, police said.
Stunned and angry neighbors, who witnessed the hit-and-run, chased the woman until she stopped a few blocks away from what now had become a crime scene.
The unidentified woman and a male passenger were taken into custody. Charges of felony hit-and-run were pending late Wednesday, police said. The woman showed little emotion after being taken into custody, said officer J. T. Walsh, an HPD spokesman. "She was passive," Walsh said. "It was unusual from what you would think."
Neighbors said children are often riding their bikes and playing in the east Houston Manchester neighborhood. They are constantly in danger, said neighbors, because of misplaced stop signs and speeding cars. "They freak us out," said Bianca Torres, 8.
Maria Torres, whose son often rides his bike throughout the day, said her 7-year-old daughter, Destinee, and another girl were almost killed by a truck last year. The two survived only because they fell in a ditch, and the truck rolled over them without seriously injuring either. "They barely made it," she said.
Torres said the stop signs on 96th and the parallel streets are in "odd places." She said the signs should be on Avenue J and the parallel streets because the houses sit on those streets, and that is where the children play. The signs would slow vehicles down, Torres said.
Susie Campos, whose children all grew up in Manchester, said that drivers who don't live in their neighborhood have been speeding down the streets with no regard for the stop signs.
Monday, July 16, 2007
July 4, 2007 2 men killed in Loop hit-and-run
July 4, 2007, 11:14PM
Two men attempting to change a flat tire were killed early Wednesday in a hit-and-run on the East Loop North near the Ship Channel Bridge. Witnesses told police the driver of a white pickup was traveling southbound on the freeway at about 2:15 a.m. when he weaved into the right shoulder, hitting the two men. The driver fled, and a witness followed the truck.
A Houston Police Department officer on his way to the wreck stopped a vehicle that matched the description of the one that hit the men. The truck also had damage consistent with one that had struck a pedestrian, police said. The driver of the pickup, identified by police as Mark Anthony Delvalle, 20, was taken into custody after he appeared to be intoxicated, officers said. Delvalle was charged with driving while intoxicated, police said, and further charges are pending. The victims' identities were not available Wednesday.
Two men attempting to change a flat tire were killed early Wednesday in a hit-and-run on the East Loop North near the Ship Channel Bridge. Witnesses told police the driver of a white pickup was traveling southbound on the freeway at about 2:15 a.m. when he weaved into the right shoulder, hitting the two men. The driver fled, and a witness followed the truck.
A Houston Police Department officer on his way to the wreck stopped a vehicle that matched the description of the one that hit the men. The truck also had damage consistent with one that had struck a pedestrian, police said. The driver of the pickup, identified by police as Mark Anthony Delvalle, 20, was taken into custody after he appeared to be intoxicated, officers said. Delvalle was charged with driving while intoxicated, police said, and further charges are pending. The victims' identities were not available Wednesday.
July 10, 2007 One dies in wreck near downtown
July 10, 2007, 7:22PM
By MIKE GLENN
A pedestrian was killed this afternoon after being struck by a car near downtown Houston, authorities said. The fatal accident happened about 3:30 p.m. on Pierce near Smith, police said. The driver had the green light at the intersection. Police said it wasn't immediately clear if the victim was in the cross-walk at the time. The victim has not been identified and the fatal accident remains under investigation, police said.
By MIKE GLENN
A pedestrian was killed this afternoon after being struck by a car near downtown Houston, authorities said. The fatal accident happened about 3:30 p.m. on Pierce near Smith, police said. The driver had the green light at the intersection. Police said it wasn't immediately clear if the victim was in the cross-walk at the time. The victim has not been identified and the fatal accident remains under investigation, police said.
July 9, 2007 Pedestrian Killed In Hit-And-Run
POSTED: 8:10 am CDT July 9, 2007
HOUSTON -- A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run early Saturday, officials told KPRC Local 2.
Houston police said a man's body was found on North Highway 6 near Patterson Road at about 6 a.m. The man's identity will be determined by the Harris County Medical Examiners' Office. Detectives said there were no witnesses to the initial impact. The type of vehicle that hit the man has not been determined.
A driver said he was traveling behind a pickup truck that slowed down to avoid hitting something in the road. The driver said he was not able to stop to avoid hitting the victim's body.
Police said the driver called for help and is cooperating with the investigation.
HOUSTON -- A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run early Saturday, officials told KPRC Local 2.
Houston police said a man's body was found on North Highway 6 near Patterson Road at about 6 a.m. The man's identity will be determined by the Harris County Medical Examiners' Office. Detectives said there were no witnesses to the initial impact. The type of vehicle that hit the man has not been determined.
A driver said he was traveling behind a pickup truck that slowed down to avoid hitting something in the road. The driver said he was not able to stop to avoid hitting the victim's body.
Police said the driver called for help and is cooperating with the investigation.
April 16, 2007 Man fatally struck while trying to cross Gulf Freeway
(4/16/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - A pedestrian was struck and killed while he was trying to cross a freeway overnight. It happened around 11:30 last night when the man tried to run across the Gulf Freeway just north of Howard. He made it across the southbound lanes, but a car narrowly missed the man. It was when he was trying to cross the northbound lanes that he was hit by a woman in a sedan who wasn't able to stop in time.
"One vehicle missed him. The vehicle in lane number one wasn't able to avoid him and struck the pedestrian," said Sgt. R.C. Gonzales with the Houston Police Department. "The driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian is pretty shaken up."
Traffic in the northbound lane was reduced to two lanes for a few hours but everything has been cleared now. Police have not released the name of the victim in this accident or the driver of the car.
"One vehicle missed him. The vehicle in lane number one wasn't able to avoid him and struck the pedestrian," said Sgt. R.C. Gonzales with the Houston Police Department. "The driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian is pretty shaken up."
Traffic in the northbound lane was reduced to two lanes for a few hours but everything has been cleared now. Police have not released the name of the victim in this accident or the driver of the car.
January 29, 2007 Separate pedestrian accidents leave one dead, another injured
(1/29/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - One person was killed and another seriously injured in two separate accidents involving people hit by cars overnight. Both incidents happened on the northwest side of town.
One of the accidents happened shortly before 1am Monday. A man was trying to cross at the 4900 block of the North Freeway when an SUV hit and killed him instantly. The motorist stopped and police say they conducted a field sobriety test.
The victim was apparently a familiar face to local law enforcement and has been described as homeless. "I talked to some North Shepherd units who work this area all the time. And they say they've seen him several times out with his cardboard sign panhandling for money, and he always has a beer can with him," said Officer Lloyd Morrison with the Houston Police Department. At this point, authorities have no idea why the man was trying to cross in such a high traffic area. But police say the driver of the SUV which killed him was not ticketed.
The other accident happened around 9pm Sunday along Highway 249. Police say a southbound Jaguar hit a man trying to cross near the Fallbrook exit. There was no intersection or crosswalk where that pedestrian was hit. At last report, the victim's condition is listed as very critical. Meanwhile, charges against the driver are unlikely.
"The driver of the Jaguar was not injured and there were no signs of intoxication on the driver of the Jaguar," said Sgt. Susan Cotter with the Harris County Sheriff's Department. Police say the pedestrian who was struck in this case was under the influence.
One of the accidents happened shortly before 1am Monday. A man was trying to cross at the 4900 block of the North Freeway when an SUV hit and killed him instantly. The motorist stopped and police say they conducted a field sobriety test.
The victim was apparently a familiar face to local law enforcement and has been described as homeless. "I talked to some North Shepherd units who work this area all the time. And they say they've seen him several times out with his cardboard sign panhandling for money, and he always has a beer can with him," said Officer Lloyd Morrison with the Houston Police Department. At this point, authorities have no idea why the man was trying to cross in such a high traffic area. But police say the driver of the SUV which killed him was not ticketed.
The other accident happened around 9pm Sunday along Highway 249. Police say a southbound Jaguar hit a man trying to cross near the Fallbrook exit. There was no intersection or crosswalk where that pedestrian was hit. At last report, the victim's condition is listed as very critical. Meanwhile, charges against the driver are unlikely.
"The driver of the Jaguar was not injured and there were no signs of intoxication on the driver of the Jaguar," said Sgt. Susan Cotter with the Harris County Sheriff's Department. Police say the pedestrian who was struck in this case was under the influence.
October 19, 2006 Pedestrian fatally struck by METRO bus in downtown Houston
(10/19/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - A pedestrian has been struck by a bus in downtown Houston. The accident happened at about 4:30pm Thursday at the corner of Smith and McGowen. A man about 60 years old was apparently crossing the street outside the crosswalk when he was struck by a METRO bus. He was taken to Ben Taub Hospital where he later died. No other injuries have been reported. The bus was towed from the scene.
July 16, 2006 Hit-and-run driver kills three pedestrians in two separate accidents
(7/16/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - A horrific hit-and-run accident leaves three pedestrians dead on Houston's south side. Around 2:15 Sunday morning, police say an out-of-control SUV hit three people who were walking across the street on Almeda Road. A man and woman were killed instantly. The third person was taken to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition.
After hitting the victims, the driver swerved to the left and hit another pedestrian and a parked car. That victim also died. The SUV finally came to a crashing halt along some railroad tracks and burst into flames. The driver took off. After fleeing the scene, the driver ran to a nearby friend's home and called an ambulance. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries he suffered during the accident. On the way to the hospital, he reportedly admitted his involvement in the incident.
Authorities have charged Deaundrey Laval Wooten, 33, with three charges of intoxication manslaughter and one charge of driving with a suspended license. The accident will remain under investigation. In all, two women and one man died at the scene. Identification and cause of death for the deceased is pending release by the Harris County Medical Examiner.
After hitting the victims, the driver swerved to the left and hit another pedestrian and a parked car. That victim also died. The SUV finally came to a crashing halt along some railroad tracks and burst into flames. The driver took off. After fleeing the scene, the driver ran to a nearby friend's home and called an ambulance. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries he suffered during the accident. On the way to the hospital, he reportedly admitted his involvement in the incident.
Authorities have charged Deaundrey Laval Wooten, 33, with three charges of intoxication manslaughter and one charge of driving with a suspended license. The accident will remain under investigation. In all, two women and one man died at the scene. Identification and cause of death for the deceased is pending release by the Harris County Medical Examiner.
July 14, 2006 Body found near busy highway
(7/14/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - A driver spotted a body in north Houston Friday morning. The body was found off the North Freeway feeder road near the Sam Houston Parkway. Investigators are trying to determine the ID of the victim and whether the body was dumped there or a victim of an audo pedestrian accident.
July 10, 2006 Pedestrian struck and killed by oncoming cars
(7/10/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - Investigators don't expect charges to be filed in what apparently was just a tragic accident in southeast Houston. It happened on Allen Genoa near Highway 225. Police say a 56-year-old man was walking when he lost his footing and fell into the road, right into oncoming traffic. He was hit by two cars and killed. Both drivers stopped to talk to police.
May 5, 2006 Light rail train slightly involved in unusual accident
(5/05/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - There was a bizarre accident involving a pedestrian near downtown Houston Friday morning. METRO's light rail was involved, but the train didn't hit anyone. The collision happened on Main near McGowen. Police say a passenger jumped off the train into the path of an oncoming car and got hit. The passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Police don't know why the passenger jumped off the train.
April 16, 2006 Man critically injured after being struck in SW Houston
(4/16/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - A hit and run accident in southwest Houston has left a man in the hospital.
Police say the pedestrian was walking across South Gessner and Town Park around 1am when a car hit him. He was then hit by a second car. Autthorities say the first driver left the scene. The victim is in critical condition.
Police say the pedestrian was walking across South Gessner and Town Park around 1am when a car hit him. He was then hit by a second car. Autthorities say the first driver left the scene. The victim is in critical condition.
February 4, 2006 METRO bus driver involved in fatal accident fired
(2/04/06 - HOUSTON) - A Metropolitan Transit Authority bus driver who was at the wheel when a pedestrian was fatally struck has been fired, a Metro spokeswoman said.
Romain Alexandre, 56, was fired Friday for "unsafe and careless action and disregard for established safety procedures" in the fatal accident, said Metro spokeswoman Raequel Roberts. Witnesses said his bus struck Domitila Leon, 43, in the crosswalk on Jan. 20, dragging her about 20 feet and running over her. Alexandre, who had only minor infractions on his record since being hired in 1993, was cited for failure to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian.
Romain Alexandre, 56, was fired Friday for "unsafe and careless action and disregard for established safety procedures" in the fatal accident, said Metro spokeswoman Raequel Roberts. Witnesses said his bus struck Domitila Leon, 43, in the crosswalk on Jan. 20, dragging her about 20 feet and running over her. Alexandre, who had only minor infractions on his record since being hired in 1993, was cited for failure to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian.
July 13, 2007 Pedestrian Hit By METRO Bus
HOUSTON -- A METRO bus hit a pedestrian in the Texas Medical Center on Friday, KPRC Local 2 reported.
METRO police said the bus was making a turn from Bertner Street onto Moursund Street and hit a woman at about 6 a.m. The woman suffered minor injuries. She was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital for treatment. Investigators have not said if the bus driver will be ticketed.
METRO police said the bus was making a turn from Bertner Street onto Moursund Street and hit a woman at about 6 a.m. The woman suffered minor injuries. She was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital for treatment. Investigators have not said if the bus driver will be ticketed.
July 16, 2007 Pedestrian Dies After Walking Into 18-Wheeler
A pedestrian was killed when he walked into an 18-wheeler in southeast Houston, KPRC Local 2 reported.
The driver told Houston police that he was making a turn from Lawndale Street onto Central Street at about 9:30 p.m. Investigators said the driver saw the man, who was lighting a cigarette, walk into the truck as he was halfway through the turn. The man fell after he hit the truck and the back wheels rolled over him, police said.
The man's identity has not been released. Police said the driver is not expected to face any charges.
(7/16/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - Officers do not expect to file charges against the driver of an 18-wheeler who ran over and killed a man last night in southeast Houston.
Police say the truck driver had a green light at Lawndale and Central and was making a turn when a man walked right into his truck and fell under the tires. Police say the pedestrian was lighting a cigarette at the time and may not have been paying attention to where he was going. The victim died at the scene.
The driver told Houston police that he was making a turn from Lawndale Street onto Central Street at about 9:30 p.m. Investigators said the driver saw the man, who was lighting a cigarette, walk into the truck as he was halfway through the turn. The man fell after he hit the truck and the back wheels rolled over him, police said.
The man's identity has not been released. Police said the driver is not expected to face any charges.
(7/16/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - Officers do not expect to file charges against the driver of an 18-wheeler who ran over and killed a man last night in southeast Houston.
Police say the truck driver had a green light at Lawndale and Central and was making a turn when a man walked right into his truck and fell under the tires. Police say the pedestrian was lighting a cigarette at the time and may not have been paying attention to where he was going. The victim died at the scene.
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