Transportation Safety Topics
In 2005, Harris County rank first in the number of alcohol-related death per capita for counties with 1 million persons or more. Furthermore, the counties which comprise the MPO area account for nearly 25 percent of all alcohol-related deaths in the State of Texas. The programs, initiatives and resources in this page are part on the ongoing effort to reduce alcohol-related deaths and injuries in the H-GAC region.
Programs & Initiatives
MADD Take the Wheel Campaign
Harris County High Risk Drinking Epidemiological Workgroup
The Healing Field
Texas Standing Tall Forum
DWI Task Force
No Refusal Program
DWI Initiative
Criminal Justice Community Plans
Resources
From 2004 to 2006, over 80 percent of all fatal crashes in the H-GAC region involved speeding or other forms of aggressive driving behavior. There is now growing recognition that aggressive driving is a major problem throughout the region.
The region has adapted a two-prong approach to combating aggressive driving through a combination of heightened enforcement and public education. Several programs and initiatives have been implemented to help address the region’s aggressive driving problems.
Programs & Initiatives
Resources
With the fourth largest port in the nation, the Houston-Galveston region is a major freight traffic hub. Nearly 200 million tons of cargo move through the region annually in addition to commercial traffic generated by the numerous chemical facilities and petrochemical refineries. Consequently, commercial vehicle safety is a major priority. The resources below are part of the ongoing effort to ensure commercial vehicle safety throughout the region.
Programs & Initiatives
Resources
Motorcycle sales are increasing in the U.S and our region as more people choose two-wheelers for recreation and transportation. Unfortunately, motorcycle injuries and deaths have also increased as more cyclists take to the road. According to NTHSA, from 2004 to 2006 motorcycle deaths in the U.S. increased 20%. In 2006, approximately one out of every ten fatal crashes in our region involved a motorcycle.
H-GAC and its safety planning partners are committed to help motorcyclists in our region ride safely. The resources below provide valuable information for motorcyclists and drivers regarding motorcycle safety.
Resources
Drivers under the age of 25 account for approximately one-third of all fatal crashes in the Houston-Galveston region. Accordingly, the Houston-Galveston Area Council and other governmental and community organizations are working to help young drivers drive safely though a combination of enhanced enforcement, education programs and public outreach efforts.
Programs & Initiatives
Teens in the Driver Seat
Driver’s Edge
Resources
Senior Drivers [Back to Top]
As the U.S. population ages the number of elderly drivers will increase. Elderly drivers sometimes face unique challenges when operating motor vehicles. These challenges can increase the likelihood of their involvement in crashes. In 2006, nearly eight percent of the region’s population was 65 years of age or older. Regionally, elderly drivers account for roughly the same percentage of vehicle crashes each year.
The following resources provide information to help senior drivers travel safely.
Resources
There is a growing recognition of the importance of non-motorized forms of transportation. Bicycling and walking are increasing becoming the travel mode of choice for health and/or environmentally conscience individuals. However, this is equally important that bicyclists and pedestrians understand how to safely interact with motor vehicles. \
Programs & Initiatives
Safe Routes to School
Bike Safety Posters
Resources
In 2007, the State Legislature enacted legislation that allows local municipalities to utilize automated enforcement devices to improve traffic safety. Since that time, several municipalities in the H-GAC region have installed automated enforcement devices at intersections with high incidents of vehicular crashes. Below are resources related to automated enforcement and the use and location of these devices in our region.
Resources
Automated Enforcement
Regional Red Light Camera Map [PDF format]
COH Red Light Camera Program
City of Humble Red Light Camera Program
City of Sugar Land Red Light Camera Program
There are over 1,500 railroad crossings in the H-GAC region. From 2004 to 2006, there were over 150 railroad crossing crashes in our area. Such crashes not only result in injury, death, and property damage, but also contribute to traffic congestion, air pollution, and economic loss in the region. H-GAC and other area organizations are working to reduce the number of railroad crossing crashes.
Resources
According to NHTSA, between 2004 and 2006, nearly 300 unrestrained children under the age of 15 were injured or killed in our region. Nationally, in 2006, over 2,600 unrestrained children were killed. These incidents represent the needless loss of life. State law requires that all children under the age 5 and less than 36 inch high be secured in a child safety seat when travelling in a motor vehicle. State law also requires that anyone under the age of 18 wear a seat when travelling in a motor vehicle–whether they are in the front seat or back seat.
H-GAC is working with regional law enforcement agencies and community organizations to reduce the high number of unrestrained and improperly restrained child injuries and deaths. We are proud to list the numerous community resources available to help parents and care givers purchase and properly utilized child occupant safety restraints.
Programs & Initiatives
Resources