A local report found from 2016 to 2020 there were 2.23 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people per year in the Houston, Woodlands and Sugar Land area. In the years of 2016 - 2020 there were 779 pedestrian deaths. And the numbers are climbing. Just this morning in Houston, a pedestrian was killed by a suspected intoxicated driver on Westheimer - near Winrock.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, here's why the numbers are increasing:
1. There aren’t nearly enough sidewalks
2. There are too many ultra-dangerous roads in neighborhoods
3. The U.S. transportation system ignores some neighborhoods all together.
4. There are too many SUVs and pick ups on the road
Others say the presence of mobile phones and other screens in our cars is cause for additional driver distraction.
photo:GettyImages
car-pedestrian fatalities on the rise in the Houston areaPhoto: Getty Images