Houston’s Traffic: Examining America’s Most Deadly City for Drivers, Passengers and Pedestrians

Houston is a sprawling city with a notorious traffic problem — but it’s not just the congestion that makes driving in Houston so dangerous. According to a Houston Chronicle analysis of 16 years of federal highway data, Houston is the most deadly major metro area in the nation for drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike. The analysis found that from 2001 to 2016, more than 6400 people died in more than 5900 crashes in the Houston area. That’s an average of about 400 deaths per year, or more than one per day.

The death toll is the equivalent of three fully-loaded 737 jet airplanes crashing each year at Houston’s airports, if all aboard were killed.

What makes Houston so deadly?

There are many factors that contribute to Houston’s high traffic fatality rate, such as:

  • Lack of Traffic Enforcement: Houston has fewer police officers per capita than other large cities, and fewer traffic enforcement units. This means that drivers are less likely to be caught and punished for speeding, running red lights, driving drunk or distracted, or other risky behaviors.
  • Lack of Traffic Infrastructure: Houston’s road network is designed for high-speed travel, with wide lanes, long ramps, and few barriers. This encourages drivers to speed and makes crashes more severe. Houston also lacks adequate sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and transit options, making it harder and more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists to get around.
  • Lack of Safety Culture: Houston has a car-centric culture, where driving is seen as a necessity AND a right. Many drivers are impatient, aggressive, or careless, and do not respect the rules of the road or the safety of others. Many pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders also lack traffic awareness, and disregard their own safety out of ignorance or/or hubris.

What are the Consequences?

The consequences of Houston’s deadly traffic are not only measured in lost lives, but also in economic and social costs. According to a study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, traffic crashes cost the Houston region $5.7 billion in 2019, including medical expenses, lost productivity, property damage, and loss of quality-of -life.

Traffic fatalities also have a disproportionate impact on certain groups of people, such as:

  • Young people: According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), 16% of the traffic fatalities in Harris County in 2022 were under the age of 25.
  • People of color: According to the Houston Chronicle analysis, people of color accounted for 46% of the population, but 67% of the traffic deaths in the Houston area from 2001 to 2016. Black people were especially overrepresented, making up 17% of the population but 25% of the deaths.
  • Vulnerable road users: According to TxDOT, nearly 32% of the traffic fatalities in Harris County in 2021 were pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists. These groups are more often exposed to fast-moving traffic without adequate protection or infrastructure.

What Can be Done?

There is no simple solution to Houston’s traffic problem, but there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk and severity of crashes, such as:

  • Increasing Enforcement: More police officers and traffic cameras can help deter and catch drivers who break the law or endanger others. Higher fines and penalties also can discourage reckless driving.
  • Improving Infrastructure: More investment in road design and maintenance can help make driving safer and smoother. More sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and transit options also can provide alternatives to driving and protect pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Changing Safety Culture: More safety education and awareness campaigns could help inform drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists about their rights and responsibilities on the road. Additionally, community engagement and advocacy also  can help foster a culture of respect and safety among all road users.

Houston has a long way to go before it can claim to be a safe and livable city for everyone. However, in acknowledging the problem and taking action, we can save lives and make a difference.

We at the Herd Law Firm, PLLC, are drivers and motorcycle riders, too! We support drivers, bikers and motorcyclists injured on the road, and have successfully represented such victims seeking the assistance and compensation they so need and deserve.

6/19/2023

 

Souces:

Let’s Discuss Your Case

If you or someone that you know has contracted COVID-19 while on board a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation. If so, call the law offices of the Herd Law Firm, PLLC for a risk-free evaluation of your potential case.

Call 713-955-3699 now!