City of Houston Responds to Child Hit in Crosswalk Near Lamar High School

Crosswalk Safety Measures Implemented

• 🚨 Following an incident where a student was hit by an SUV, the City of Houston is implementing new safety measures near Lamar High School.
• 💡 Mayor John Whitmer has directed Public Works to install a HAWK signal at the intersection of West Timer Road and East Side Street to allow pedestrians to activate a red light for safe crossing.
• ⚠️ The current crosswalk only has a plain sign, lacking signals or lights, necessitating pedestrians to actively signal drivers to stop.

Recent Incident and Driver Citation

• 💥 Surveillance video captured a 15-year-old student being struck by an SUV in the crosswalk at West Timer Road and East Side Street.
• 🚗 The 85-year-old driver was cited by Houston police for failure to yield the right of way.

Community and Official Reactions

• 🏘️ A neighbor expressed a desire for improved safety measures at the crosswalk.
• 🗣️ City Councilwoman Mary Huffman urged drivers to slow down in neighborhoods and school zones, especially with school back in session.

Enforcement and Coordination Efforts

• 👮 Mayor Whitmer announced HPD traffic enforcement officers will be present in the area through the end of the week, collaborating with HISD PD and Metro Police.
• 🤝 An HISD spokesperson confirmed the district's police department is coordinating with HPD on a traffic enforcement plan.
• 🔍 Despite these measures, initial observations noted a lack of visible officers directing traffic or patrolling the area, and several close calls involving students in the crosswalk.