Houston drivers know all too well the dangers of the roadways. According to a Houston Chronicle investigation from 2018, Houston has the most dangerous roads in the entire country. Contributing factors such as drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving lead to over 600 traffic fatalities each year. Houstonians shouldn’t give up hope that the roads will one day be much safer. The Harris County Sheriff’s Department has formed a regional task force to increase enforcement of traffic violations and reduce accidents and fatalities.

Fatalities On The Rise

The number of traffic fatalities has been on the rise in Houston for several years, but despite this, law enforcement had been decreasing enforcement in areas where traffic fatalities were rising. In response to this, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez called for a new task force to patrol Houston roadways.

The task force has already made a significant difference. At the end of last month, over 30 officers and deputies from the sheriff’s office, the Houston Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, and constables’ offices policed a ten-mile stretch of Highway 249 from I-45 to FM 1960. In just two days, the task force made 406 stops, issued 263 warnings and 297 tickets, and made 38 arrests. Among these arrests included 23 drivers who were driving while intoxicated. One drunk driver who was pulled over for driving the wrong way down a road confessed to drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

Keeping Houston Roadways Safe

An increased law enforcement presence greatly helps keep Houston’s roadways a safer place for everyone. However, it is the sole responsibility of each and every driver to operate his or her vehicle safely regardless of whether or not there is a police presence in the area. When drivers choose to recklessly endanger the lives of others by speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, or using a cell phone while driving, they need to be held responsible for the accidents and injuries they cause.

Houston Reckless Driving Attorneys

There is no excuse for reckless driving. If you have been injured in a car accident because of a reckless driver, contact the Houston reckless driving attorneys at Adame Garza LLP today for a free consultation to discuss your case and protect your rights.