I hope your family is healthy, safe, and happy. I’m optimistic the month of August will bring new opportunities and a renewed spirit for all of us.
Harris County’s greatest strength is its residents and their unwavering resilience in the face of any obstacle. While many things may seem out of our control when it comes to COVID-19, let’s continue to work together, remain positive and build on what’s working for our communities – staying informed and practicing daily precautions to protect ourselves and our neighbors.
Share the Road
Pedestrian-related traffic crashes remain a serious problem across our region and state. Texas had the third highest number of pedestrian traffic fatalities in 2018 in the US, according to a study conducted by the Governors Highway Safety Association.
All of us share a responsibility to stay safe on our roads. The Texas Department of Transportation suggests we take the following precautions to enhance pedestrian safety:
What can pedestrians do to stay safe?
- If there’s a sidewalk, use it. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
- Always cross at intersections or marked crosswalks. Look both directions before proceeding to cross a street.
- Obey all traffic signals.
- Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume a driver sees you.
- Be visible. Wear something light or reflective after dark.
What can drivers do to help keep pedestrians safe?
- Reduce your speed when approaching crosswalks and stop for pedestrians.
- Yield the right of way to pedestrians when turning.
- Be careful when passing buses or stopped vehicles.
- Stay alert and minimize distractions – pedestrians may enter your path suddenly.
- Obey the speed limit and drive to conditions.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s Vehicular Crimes Division (VCD) responds to and investigates fatal crashes, including hit and run collisions and auto-pedestrian accidents. Watch this video to follow Deputy Balthazar, an accident investigator, for a day on the job and to learn more about our VCD. You can do your part to help prevent these tragedies from happening in our community.
Free Roadside Assistance Programs Expanded
With the support of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston-Galveston Area Council has expanded the service area of the Tow and Go Program, which provides no-cost towing for vehicles that break down due to mechanical failure, to include all camera-monitored freeways in Harris County, Bellaire, Jersey Village, La Porte and Humble.
The Sheriff’s Office has been an instrumental partner since the program’s launch, authorizing Tow and Go clearances, working hand-in-hand with approved operators, and maintaining the integrity of the program. All Tow and Go operators have met strict selection standards and completed roadway safety and traffic incident management training.
In addition to the Tow and Go expansion, the no-cost Motor Assistance Program (MAP) is now offering expanded service hours. Stranded motorists on Harris County freeways can receive immediate roadside assistance, 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday, through MAP.
MAP reduces traffic congestion and keeps motorists and first responders safe. Services include:
- Changing a flat tire
- Jump starting a car
- Assisting with minor engine repair
- Supplying fuel, water and/or air
- Removing stranded vehicles from roadways
- Providing stranded motorists with courtesy transportation to a safe location
As travelers take to area roads and freeways, safety should always be a top priority. The expansions of these quick clearance programs are another step toward reducing secondary incidents, keeping traffic moving, and most importantly, saving lives.
For more information about Tow and Go, visit TowAndGo.com or call 713-881-3333 for immediate roadside assistance.
For more information about MAP, click here or call 713-CALL-MAP (713-225-5627) for immediate roadside assistance.
Staying Alert
Harris County Public Health provides daily updates from across our region regarding testing, confirmed cases, and the development of COVID-19. For these updates, refer to the Harris County / Houston COVID-19 Cases Dashboard.
Everyone is at risk of getting sick from COVID-19, but minority communities have been disproportionately affected by the virus. It’s important to know the health disparities within our area and to take action. HCPH encourages residents to read its community health guide and to register for free COVID-19 testing if they feel they are exhibiting symptoms or have been in contact with someone who tested positive.
God bless you, and may God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.