Pedestrian Struck and Killed While Trying to Cross I-45

A woman was struck and killed on Thursday morning on I-45 North Freeway near Aldine Bender Rd. The collision occurred as the women tried to cross the freeway on foot.

One woman is dead following a major crash on I-45 North Freeway that occurred at around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 19. Houston Police report that the woman was attempting to cross the freeway when she was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the deadly accident stayed to assist police by giving a report of what happened.

Following the crash, traffic built up for miles on either side of the incident. This accident was, unfortunately, one of several reported in the area on Thursday morning, contributing to the congestion.

Texas consistently ranks among the top ten most dangerous states for pedestrians. Researchers with the Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI) gave Texas a 2019 PDI score of 111.9 based on pedestrian fatality statistics, roughly double the national average.

In 2018, the state ranked as the third most dangerous for pedestrians in regards to traffic fatalities. In 2019, the state dropped its ranking, falling to number 8 in the country. While this may sound like an improvement in pedestrian safety in the state, between 2018 and 2019, pedestrian fatalities on Texas roadways actually increased by 5% to 660 deaths.

That would seem to suggest that pedestrian safety is actually decreasing across the country. Indeed, according to data gathered by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities increased by a projected 5% in 2019, reaching the highest point the metric has been since 1988. In fact, the GHSA reports that pedestrian deaths have increased by more than half in the past ten years.

The rate at which pedestrian deaths in Texas have increased in recent years is also cause for concern. While 2018 saw relatively small increase and 2017 saw a 10% reduction, pedestrian deaths in 2016 increased by more than 20%, in 2015 by more than 15%, and in 2019 by 5%, as mentioned above. The inconsistency in these rates, as well as the large increases in comparison to relatively small declines, shows that pedestrian safety in Texas is far from under control.

One cause often cited in explanations of the rise in pedestrian deaths in Texas and across the country is distracted driving. Some researchers with the GHSA have blamed the increase in deaths on the increased use of cell phones and other devices while driving.

However, according to data gathered by the Texas Department of Transportation, the number of traffic fatalities caused by distracted driving has actually decreased steadily each year since 2016.

Another theory put forth by the GHSA involves SUVs. SUVs, which can do more damage relative to lighter vehicles, have been rising in popularity in recent years, possibly leading to a higher likelihood that car accidents may involve a fatality. Another of the GHSA’s possible explanations is that the growth of urban areas and cities like Houston could be creating more areas where pedestrians are likely to be hit by cars.

Regardless of the cause of auto-pedestrian accidents, these types of accidents are complicated to navigate alone, often requiring the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Together, the Houston car accident attorneys at Lapeze & Johns have committed over 30 years to helping victims involved in auto-pedestrian accidents fight for the compensation they need to recover.

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Source: ABC 13

Pedestrian Struck and Killed While Trying to Cross I-45

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