News Summary
A 15-year-old girl suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being hit by a vehicle near Lamar High School. The Houston Police found she didn’t use a crosswalk. This incident raises serious traffic safety concerns in the area. The school district is pushing for better safety measures as previous accidents have already occurred. Community response highlights the need for enhanced pedestrian safety and traffic enforcement to protect students.
Houston: 15-Year-Old Student Struck by Vehicle Near Lamar High School; Traffic Safety Concerns Heightened
A 15-year-old female student sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle near Lamar High School on Tuesday morning. The incident took place shortly after she was dropped off at 2800 Eastside Street in Houston. The student was reportedly hit by a silver Chevy Suburban SUV while crossing the road without a designated crosswalk.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) has investigated the circumstances surrounding the crash. Their findings indicated that the 52-year-old driver of the SUV would not be cited for the incident. Preliminary information suggests that the student failed to yield to the vehicle before attempting to cross the road, which contributed to the accident.
Although hospitalized, the student’s injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, which has come as a relief to both her family and the local community. As the investigation continues, safety measures in the area are being scrutinized.
Traffic Safety and Community Concerns
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has reaffirmed its commitment to student safety, particularly highlighting the ongoing traffic safety concerns around the school. Despite the importance of safety, HISD reported that there had been no 311 requests filed concerning safety issues on the 2800 block of Eastside Street prior to the incident.
In response to the recent accident, HISD advocates for additional measures from the City of Houston to improve pedestrian safety, especially since the city manages crosswalk infrastructure. The district currently employs crossing guards at elementary and middle school locations to aid in ensuring safe passage for students during arrival and dismissal times.
Previous Incidents and Future Measures
This current incident marks the second time this school year that a student has been struck by a vehicle in the vicinity of Lamar High School. A similar incident occurred in August when another student was hit by an SUV at a different intersection nearby, prompting the municipal authorities to implement some safety measures.
In light of the recent events, Houston Mayor John Whitmire has visited the area to advocate for the establishment of a new crosswalk and enhanced traffic enforcement. Furthermore, the city is planning to install a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signal at the intersection of Eastside Street and Westheimer Road, aimed at improving safety for pedestrians.
Changes related to traffic safety in the area, including modifications at the location of the first collision, may take up to a year to be realized. Meanwhile, the mayor’s office has instructed HPD to heighten traffic enforcement in coordination with HISD and METRO Police, aiming to ensure a safer environment for students and pedestrians.
Local Community Response
Amid growing concerns over traffic safety, local residents have expressed their worries that current conditions may lead to more accidents if no substantial changes are enacted. Calls for better safety measures, such as the installation of flashing lights or the creation of alternative pedestrian routes, have intensified following these recent incidents.
As the community grapples with the fallout from these events, the safety of students and broader traffic safety measures remain a critical focus for both local officials and residents. The collaborative efforts between the city government, school district, and police units are crucial to preventing future accidents and enhancing pedestrian safety around Lamar High School.
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Additional Resources
- Click2Houston: Student Hit by Car Near Lamar High School
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- KHOU: Westheimer Road Crosswalk Near Lamar High School
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Measures
- Houston Chronicle: Lamar Student Crosswalk Crash
- Google Scholar: Traffic Accidents in School Zones
- ABC13: Pedestrian Hit by Train in Houston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Zone Traffic Safety
- Fox26: Vigil Held for 8-Year-Old Killed by Car
- Google News: Traffic Safety Accidents HISD
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
