Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg joined with Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and Houston Police Chief Troy Finner today to announce a joint effort to combat a traditional holiday uptick in injuries and fatalities involving pedestrians and bicyclists.

Houston has developed a reputation for being a dangerous place for pedestrians and bicyclists, a reputation that Ogg and her colleagues in law enforcement want to end. Since October alone, there have been more than 30 fatal crashes involving motor vehicles and pedestrians or cyclists.

New state laws allow motorists who kill or injure pedestrians or cyclists in a crosswalk to be charged with a state jail felony.

“Residents of Houston know that our city and its suburbs can be a hazardous place for pedestrians and cyclists,” Ogg said. “The state has put some stronger laws in place, but we want to ensure that motorists are reminded to drive safely this holiday season and avoid a tragedy with lifelong consequences for everyone.”

Gonzales said the sheriff’s office has seen an uptick in both collisions and fatalities for at least the last three years. He said he had instructed his deputies to be on the lookout and pay particular attention to motorists at intersections and crosswalk areas.

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