Fort Bend County, Texas, December 4, 2025
In Fort Bend County, a driver has been sentenced under the Lisa Torry Smith Act, marking the first conviction in the county for this law. The case involved a fatal crash that occurred while a pedestrian was legally crossing the street. Bao Lung Giang received a 10-year deferred adjudication probation, along with fines and community service. This landmark case aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accountability for drivers in crosswalks.
Fort Bend County, Texas – Driver Sentenced in Fatal Crosswalk Crash Under Lisa Torry Smith Act
Fort Bend County, Texas – A driver has been sentenced under the Lisa Torry Smith Act, marking a significant legal milestone as the first conviction in the county for this law. The Lisa Torry Smith Act was created to hold drivers accountable for harming pedestrians in crosswalks after Lisa Torry Smith was killed in 2017 while crossing the street.
Details of the Case
In 2023, Bao Lung Giang faced charges after a fatal accident occurring in the New Territory subdivision that led to the death of Donald Yeager, who was legally crossing the street at the time. Giang has been given a 10-year deferred adjudication probation, which includes:
- A $5,000 fine
- 300 hours of community service
- 120 days in jail
- Attendance at an annual Victim Impact Panel
- Annual defensive driving courses
- Reading letters written by Yeager’s family
- Severely restricted driving privileges
- Random drug testing throughout the supervision period
Background of the Lisa Torry Smith Act
The Lisa Torry Smith Act, enacted in 2021, was designed to impose criminal penalties on drivers who injure or kill pedestrians in crosswalks. The legislation mandates that drivers must come to a complete stop for pedestrians and cyclists in marked crosswalks, and it establishes a felony charge for seriously injuring someone legally crossing the street. The District Attorney of Fort Bend County indicated that this law is crucial for ensuring driver accountability and preventing future incidents similar to those faced by the families affected by these tragedies. The offense under this act could lead to a third-degree felony charge, potentially resulting in 2 to 10 years in prison and fines reaching up to $10,000.
Implications for Fort Bend County
This conviction is anticipated to set an important precedent in Fort Bend County, as it demonstrates the effectiveness of the Lisa Torry Smith Act in holding drivers responsible for their conduct in crosswalks. Community leaders and law enforcement officials believe that this case may promote more conscientious driving habits and enhance pedestrian safety, especially in regions with a high volume of foot traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Lisa Torry Smith Act?
The Lisa Torry Smith Act is a Texas law enacted in 2021 that holds drivers accountable for injuring or killing pedestrians in crosswalks. It requires drivers to fully stop for pedestrians and cyclists in clearly marked crosswalks and makes it a felony to seriously injure someone who is legally crossing.
Who was Lisa Torry Smith?
Lisa Torry Smith was a mother who was killed in a crosswalk while walking her son to school in 2017. Her death led to the creation of the Lisa Torry Smith Act, aiming to protect pedestrians and hold drivers accountable for their actions in crosswalks.
What was the outcome of the case involving Bao Lung Giang?
Bao Lung Giang was sentenced to a 10-year deferred adjudication probation, which includes a $5,000 fine, 300 hours of community service, 120 days in jail, and other conditions. This case marks the first conviction under the Lisa Torry Smith Act in Fort Bend County.
What are the penalties under the Lisa Torry Smith Act?
The Lisa Torry Smith Act classifies the offense of causing serious bodily injury to a pedestrian in a crosswalk as a third-degree felony, carrying a potential penalty of 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
How does this case impact Fort Bend County?
This case sets a significant precedent in Fort Bend County, demonstrating the application of the Lisa Torry Smith Act in holding drivers accountable for their actions in crosswalks. It is expected to serve as a deterrent to negligent driving and promote greater awareness and caution among motorists, ultimately enhancing pedestrian safety across the county.
Key Features of the Lisa Torry Smith Act Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Enacted | 2021 |
| Driver Convicted | Bao Lung Giang |
| Incident Location | New Territory subdivision, Fort Bend County |
| Victim | Donald Yeager |
| Sentence | 10-year deferred adjudication probation, $5,000 fine, 300 hours community service, 120 days in jail, and other conditions |
| Significance | First conviction under the Lisa Torry Smith Act in Fort Bend County |
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