In Harris County, 2.7 times more males died in pedestrian accidents than females. “And the results are showing higher rates of crashes, injuries and deaths in neighborhoods.”Ī 2012 study from West Virginia University found that male pedestrians died 2.3 times the rate that female pedestrians died in vehicle-pedestrian accidents across the country. “This tells us we have not invested equitably in safe transportation across the city,” Fields said. and found a similar trend: Those affected were more likely to be part of low-income and minority communities. Journalist and transportation expert Angie Schmitt examined pedestrian deaths across the U.S. The Houston Chronicle’s analysis of pedestrian fatalities from 2011 to the present, as provided by the TxDOT crash report system, shows that high numbers of pedestrian deaths are more likely to occur in areas of Houston that have lower incomes. The city also considers planning elements like “corner radius, the width of the street, the width of each lane, and where you put parking.” “We talk a lot about traffic signals and signage,” Fields said. Their plan includes a citywide campaign on street safety, designing streets to support safer speeds and constructing sidewalks and bicycle facilities. “What we want to do is make our streets safer, and that does mean slowing down traffic,” said Fields, who helped develop Houston’s Vision Zero plan and is now implementing it. Of the 83 pedestrians who have died in the county this year, 52 died in Houston. Most Harris County pedestrian fatalities occur within the City of Houston. More than 40 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Austin and San Antonio, are part of the Vision Zero network and are pursuing the same goal of zero fatalities and severe injuries. Last year, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a Vision Zero plan: to reduce all traffic deaths-including pedestrian deaths-to zero by 2030. The area surrounding the West Oaks Mall saw a total of 17 pedestrian deaths during the same time period. According to the City of Houston, 60% of traffic deaths and serious injuries occur on only 6% of its roads.Ī Houston Chronicle analysis of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crash data found that the 1.6 mile stretch of Tomball Parkway (State Highway 249) between Holister Road and Antoine Road had 23 pedestrian deaths between Jan. “And what that means is, we have not prioritized safety.” “Historically, Houston has built its transportation to move people fast,” Fields said.
Why are there so many pedestrian deaths in Harris County? According to Houston’s chief transportation planner, David Fields, it’s because Houston roadways weren’t built primarily to protect pedestrians.
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