Teen Hit by SUV Near Lamar High School: City Installs New Safety Measures

Pedestrian Safety Near Lamar High School

• ⚠️ A 15-year-old student was struck by an SUV while crossing Westheimer Road near Lamar High School on Wednesday.
• 📹 Exclusive surveillance video captured the moment the teen was hit while using a pedestrian-only crosswalk.
• 🚗 The 85-year-old driver was cited by Houston police for failure to yield the right of way.

City's Response and New Safety Measures

• 🚨 Mayor John Whitmire has directed Houston Public Works to install a Hawk signal at the crosswalk, allowing pedestrians to activate a red light for safe crossing.
• 👮 Houston police, in conjunction with HISD and Metro Police, will increase traffic enforcement in the area.
• 🏫 The crosswalk, installed in 2024 at the request of the Lamar High School principal, was intended to improve safety in a school zone.

Community and Official Reactions

• 🗣️ A neighbor expressed a desire for improved safety measures.
• 💬 City Councilwoman Mary Huffman urged drivers to slow down in school zones and neighborhoods.
• 🚧 Huffman also suggested the crosswalk should be removed or modified altogether due to safety concerns.