Houston's Pedestrian Death Problem, Explained

Why does Houston have so many pedestrian deaths? "[A]ccording to Houston’s chief transportation planner, David Fields, it’s because Houston roadways weren’t built primarily to protect pedestrians," reports Kirkland An. "'Historically, Houston has built its transportation to move people fast,' Fields said. 'And what that means is, we have not prioritized safety.'" Based on data from the city, "60% of traffic deaths and serious injuries occur on only 6% of its roads."

"Last year, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a Vision Zero plan: to reduce all traffic deaths—including pedestrian deaths—to zero by 2030," joining over 40 other cities that have taken a similar Vision Zero pledge. The plan "includes a citywide campaign on street safety, designing streets to support safer speeds and constructing sidewalks and bicycle facilities." In addition to speed limits and new safety infrastructure, "[t]he city also considers planning elements like 'corner radius, the width of the street, the width of each lane, and where you put parking,'" Fields told the Houston Chronicle.

Like in other cities around the country, "[t]hose affected [in Houston] were more likely to be part of low-income and minority communities." According to Fields, "[t]his tells us we have not invested equitably in safe transportation across the city." While the Vision Zero plan may seem ambitious for such a car-centric city, he says, "every life saved on the path to zero is valuable."