Houston coalition helping to curb deadly crashes

Jan. 15, 2024

By Danny Perez

HOUSTON — The Houston Traffic Safety Coalition, led by TxDOT’s Traffic Safety team, recently conducted a “walking audit” of area neighborhoods to help bring awareness to issues many pedestrians face when utilizing community walking spaces.

Trey Salinas, TxDOT traffic safety specialist in Houston, said the effort brought attention to walkability issues in neighborhoods while giving community leaders much needed feedback to improve safety in the community.

More than 4,200 people lost their lives last year in fatal crashes on roadways in Texas. More than 700 people were killed in the Houston area, sparking a joining of forces to help combat the deadly trend.

Created in 2019, the coalition includes non-profit organizations, law enforcement and other government agencies.

“We feel it is important that we bring people to the table with a similar focus so that we can support each other in our goal to reduce deaths on our roads,” Salinas said. “(TxDOT’s) Houston District is one of the largest districts by population in the state. We have many concerned citizens and organizations that want to make a difference.”

The coalition offers a forum to talk about what problems the community at large is facing. Members discuss and propose ways to make communities safer for all road users including pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

“When we work together, we have a greater chance of finding solutions that we can work on together,” Salinas said.

Having TxDOT lead the coalition has been crucial in helping to coordinate resources, establish standards and cast a larger, more general traffic safety net, Salinas said.

This means groups focused on specific initiatives such as impaired driving and distracted driving can be brought to the table to collaborate and find solutions to traffic safety challenges.

“Our coalition members play an important role in reaching out to as many people as possible,” Salinas said. “The coalition is greater than the sum of its parts.”

In addition to ongoing collaborations and monthly meetings, the coalition members have embarked on unique initiatives to improve traffic safety in the community.

As the coalition enters another year, Salinas said the focus will remain on educating the public about traffic safety and reaching as many community members as possible.

He said Houston has a serious problem with impaired driving and distracted driving. The coalition will continue to draw attention to these issues and encourage motorists to promote safe driving habits.

“Success is working together on a variety is issues at a variety of events,” Salinas said. “And lastly success is knowing we did our part to help save lives on our roads and streets.”