Recently, a local task force was formed in response to a 2017 article in the Houston Chronicle which found that Houston is home to the nation’s most dangerous roads. According to the article, more than 600 motorists, passengers, and pedestrians are killed every year in traffic collisions. The majority of these fatal accidents involved driver inattention, driving while intoxicated, and speeding. The Chronicle’s investigation found that a lack of a comprehensive strategy to address the issue may be partly to blame. In response, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez called for the formation of a regional task force to better patrol roads. The task force was designed to crack down on traffic violations and unsafe driving practices, with the goal of promoting safe driving and reducing the number of serious motor vehicle accidents that occur on Houston area roads each year.
Beginning last week, the task force dispatched more than 30 officers and deputies from several local law enforcement agencies to patrol a ten mile stretch of State Highway 249. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 42 fatal crashes on State Highway 249 over the past five years. Over the course of two days, officers made 406 traffic stops, issued 263 written warnings, wrote 297 tickets and made 38 arrests. For some minor offenses such as defective headlights and expired registrations, officers issued a warning after a discussion with the driver. Of the 38 arrests made, 23 were for drunk driving and 15 were for other criminal offenses. Given the positive results, several law enforcement agencies have already planned similar efforts in February and March.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact the attorneys at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner. Our attorneys can assist you with your claim. Call us today at (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211 for your free consultation.