Teen Struck by SUV Near Lamar High School Prompts Safety Concerns and Solutions

Pedestrian Struck Near Lamar High School

• 💔 A 15-year-old student was struck by an SUV while crossing Westheimer Road near Lamar High School.
• 📹 The incident was captured on camera, showing the teenager waiting for traffic before being hit by a vehicle that failed to stop.
• 🏥 Fortunately, the student sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Safety Concerns Regarding New Crosswalk

• ⚠️ Neighbors and council members have raised serious concerns about the safety of a recently installed crosswalk with limited signage and no signal.
• 🏫 The crosswalk was reportedly installed as a result of a request by the Lamar High School principal, bypassing community notice due to its school zone location.
• 🚦 Existing safer pedestrian crossings at nearby intersections are highlighted as alternatives.

Proposed and Implemented Safety Upgrades

• 💡 Council Member Mary Nan Huffman advocates for either the removal of the crosswalk or the addition of safety upgrades like flashing lights.
• 🚀 In response to inquiries, Houston Mayor John Whitmire has ordered the installation of a new high-intensity crosswalk signal that pedestrians can activate.
• 🚓 Houston police traffic enforcement has been assigned to the intersection to increase visibility and safety.

Driver Accountability and Public Awareness

• 🚗 The 85-year-old driver of the SUV was cited for failure to yield the right of way.
• 📢 Drivers are urged to slow down in school zones and neighborhoods as school is back in session.
• 🏫 HISD police plan to increase visibility during student arrival and dismissal times.