Houston Personal Injury Attorneys – Smith & Hassler

Increased Patrols May Prevent Crashes, But Accidents Still Happen

Houston, we have a problem, and it’s not just the heat or the traffic; it’s what’s happening in that traffic. In 2024, the city recorded the highest number of car accident deaths in Texas. Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are dying at alarming rates, even as police hand out more and more citations. Something doesn’t add up.

We have hundreds of tickets, multiple highways, and dozens of officers swarming roadways for a few days at a time. It looks impressive on paper. But is it really making a difference? Is Houston missing the bigger picture?

In early 2025, Houston police launched a series of “traffic enforcement surges” across major highways such as I-45, U.S. 59, Texas 288, and the South Loop. These weren’t routine patrols. These were concentrated, high-visibility operations, with dozens of officers stopping drivers and writing tickets as fast as their pens could move.

The first two major surges netted over 470 citations in just three days. That’s a staggering number. City officials touted the efforts in press conferences and social media posts, promising more to come. The message was clear: dangerous driving won’t be tolerated. But these surges are short, one or two days, and then the show moves on. There’s no permanent presence or lasting deterrent.

Why are Houston’s roads so dangerous?

Part of the answer lies in the city’s size and sprawl. Houston is a massive metro area with limited public transit and a deeply car-dependent culture. People have to drive everywhere. That means more cars on the road, more miles driven, and more chances for something to go wrong. Additionally, highways cut through urban centers, bringing 70 mph traffic within feet of residential neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. Aggressive behavior, distracted driving, and impatience are all too common.

Why is Houston relying so heavily on enforcement?

There’s a long history of trying to change driver behavior through fear of punishment. You’ve seen it before: Click It or Ticket, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. The flashing red-and-blue lights in your rearview mirror are meant to make you think twice. To some extent, it works in the moment. When drivers know police are around, they slow down, signal, and put their phones away. But the effect is fleeting. Once the officers leave, the old habits creep back in.

Enforcement also plays well with the public, as it gives the impression of action. Residents complain about speeders in their neighborhoods, so the city responds with patrol cars and radar guns. But the truth is that enforcement alone treats the symptom, not the cause.

What’s missing from the equation?

You can’t talk about dangerous driving without talking about the environment in which people drive. Road design shapes behavior. Wide, straight highways with few obstacles invite speed. Poorly lit intersections create confusion, while a lack of pedestrian infrastructure increases the chances of a tragedy.

Houston’s roads were built for cars to move fast, not for people to move safely. That design philosophy shows up in the data. High-speed crashes, pedestrian fatalities, and rollover accidents all thrive in this kind of setting.

The most effective traffic safety strategies blend enforcement with design. Raised crosswalks, better signage, narrower lanes, and speed humps nudge drivers to slow down without anyone needing to issue a single ticket. But in Houston, we’ve seen very little of that. Despite the grim statistics, there’s been no major push to redesign high-risk roadways or rethink how our infrastructure influences behavior. That’s a missed opportunity and a deadly one.

Instead of asking how many tickets we can write, we should be asking how many lives we can save. That requires more than just patrol cars. A real solution would bring together city planners, transportation engineers, community leaders, and residents to redesign the most dangerous corridors. It would mean slowing traffic, not with threats, but with smarter design. It would mean investing in sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and lighting.

It would also mean using data. Where are crashes happening? When? Why? Too often, we’re reacting to tragedy instead of preventing it. That needs to change. Enforcement still matters, but it should be consistent, equitable, and data-informed—not just a surge when cameras are rolling.

What’s the real cost of doing nothing?

Behind every crash statistic is a human life. A teenager on their way to school, a father heading home from work, or a child crossing the street. These aren’t just numbers; they’re stories that ended too soon. If we keep relying on tickets and traffic stops alone, those stories will keep repeating.

It’s time to think bigger, smarter, and more human. Traffic safety isn’t just about catching bad drivers; it’s about building a city where fewer people make fatal mistakes in the first place.

Experienced lawyers serving injured victims across Texas for over 30 years

If you or someone you love was hurt in a car accident in Houston or anywhere in Texas, you have the right to justice and full compensation. The Houston car accident lawyers at Smith & Hassler have over 30 years of experience fighting for crash victims across Texas. We know what it takes to hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable. We build strong cases, demand maximum compensation, and don’t back down from insurance companies.

Our law firm offers free consultations where you’ll get a clear explanation of your rights, a strategy tailored to your situation, and an honest estimate of what your case may be worth. We’ll answer your questions, review the facts, and let you know exactly what to expect. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay absolutely nothing unless we win. That means no upfront fees or surprise bills.

To get started, contact us online or call our law offices in the greater Houston area to book a free consultation with our legal team. The sooner you act, the faster we can help you get the best possible outcome for your case.

“I’m so thankful that I chose Smith and Hassler to represent me in my auto collision case. I would recommend them to anyone who found themselves in a similar situation as myself.” – D.O., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Every year, countless lives are affected by people who make the reckless decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol. It’s a particularly severe issue in the Houston area. With a staggering number of drunk driving-related car crashes, Harris County has earned a sobering distinction in Texas.

According to a recent report by the Courier of Montgomery County, new data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says Harris County has earned the unfortunate title of having the highest number of drunk driving-related car crashes in the state. In 2022 alone, Harris County recorded over 3,500 crashes involving impaired driving.

Drunk driving in Harris County, TX

The crash statistics are nothing short of sobering: over 115,000 reported car accidents within Harris County in a single year. What’s even more concerning is that out of these incidents, 3,553 crashes were directly attributed to drivers under the influence of alcohol.

One key element in this equation is the county’s remarkable growth and diversity. With a population that surpasses 4.7 million, Harris County is the largest county in Texas and the third-largest in the entire nation. This sheer number of residents introduces a dynamic set of challenges that can influence statistics, including those pertaining to drunk driving crashes.

The interplay between Harris County’s population influx and its drinking culture is a complex one. As people from all walks of life converge on this vibrant county, a diverse range of behaviors, habits, and attitudes towards alcohol come together. This diversity, while contributing to the richness of the community, also means that there is a broad spectrum of attitudes toward responsible alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, a surge in intoxication-related fatalities has been a consequence of this particular social landscape.

Lynn Nguyen, the section chief of the vehicular crimes division at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, told the Courier of Montgomery County: “We’re obviously a huge county. I think that’s what drives the numbers every year. And we’re kind of one of those growing counties, where people are coming from all over to live here…and so with the influx of people and the drinking culture that we do have here, that unfortunately means there’s going to be an increase in intoxication-related fatalities.”

Understanding the dangers

Drunk drivers are at risk of causing serious and fatal car accidents because their impaired state hampers their ability to operate a vehicle safely and respond effectively to the dynamic challenges of the road. As a result, not only are drunk drivers themselves in danger, but so are passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow motorists who share the road.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous because it results in:

• Impaired cognitive function: Alcohol impairs cognitive functions, including attention, judgment, and reaction time. This compromised mental state significantly increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Reduced motor skills: Alcohol affects motor skills and coordination, making it difficult for drivers to maintain control over their vehicles and respond appropriately to unexpected situations.
• Decreased inhibition: Intoxication can lead to reckless behavior and a decreased sense of caution, resulting in drivers taking unnecessary risks on the road.
• Slower reaction times: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, which can prevent them from effectively avoiding collisions or stopping in time to avoid a collision.
• Increased likelihood of high-speed collisions: Drunk driving accidents often occur at higher speeds due to impaired judgment, resulting in more forceful collisions and greater damage.
• Higher severity of injuries: The combination of high speeds and impaired judgment leads to more severe injuries in accidents involving drunk drivers, especially when they drive on the wrong side of the road and crash into other vehicles head-on.

Drunk driving is dangerous and can lead to legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. The tragic truth is that these accidents are preventable, underscoring the critical need for responsible choices, increased awareness, and accountability to curb the devastating impact of drunk driving on our roads.

Holding drunk drivers accountable

At Smith & Hassler, our car accident attorneys recognize the seriousness of crashes caused by drunk drivers and the profound impact they can have on victims’ lives. With a deep understanding of the nuances of Texas law and extensive experience in complex cases, we are ready to help you fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve.

If you were hit by a drunk driver or your loved one died in a crash involving a driver under the influence of alcohol, your path forward starts with us. Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation. We’re located in Houston, TX, and we look forward to speaking with you about your potential legal case.

Please pray for 24-year old Houston Police Department Officer Nestor Garcia who was struck and seriously injured by an SUV last night on US 59 southbound at Dunlavy.

Officer Garcia, a rookie with less than 1-year on-the-job with HPD, was participating in a felony stop of a suspected stolen vehicle, when a white Toyota Highlander driven by a 79-year old male plowed through the scene at about 60 MPH. Officer Garcia sustained a head injury, abdominal injuries and some fractures and was listed in critical condition. The 79-year old driver was arrested and is expected to be charged with intoxication assault of a peace officer. Officer Garcia is not married; media reports say his family were with him at the hospital.

Update: the 79-year old driver has been publicly identified as Robert Zimmerman. Channel 13 interviewed Zimmerman’s neighbors and business associates, who report he used to work in real estate investing and is semi-retired. Zimmerman does not have a criminal record.

Last night a Houston Police Department patrol officer had pulled over a suspected drunk driver and was conducting an investigation when the officer’s patrol car was smashed by a second suspected drunk driver. This is not a rare occurrence in Houston, and for some reason rather than emergency lights serving as a warning to drunk drivers, the lights seem to draw them in like moths to a flame. The crash happened on Houston’s North Loop (coincidentally Smith & Hassler’s office is on the North Loop). The officer and suspected drunk driver #1 were reported to be uninjured thankfully, and ABC Channel 13 has video of both drivers being sobriety tested.

If you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver, in Houston or anywhere else, give us a call and we’d be glad to explain what your legal options are.

One person is dead after a car accident on Almeda Road and Reed Road at 11:30 p.m. last night. A black-colored Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck crashed into the rear of a silver colored sports car, possibly a Nissan 370ZX. Law enforcement told the media that the pickup was traveling at a very high rate of speed; the impact propelled the sports car forward into the front bumper of a Houston Rodeo bus that was parked and unoccupied at the time. The driver of the pickup appeared disoriented after the crash to bystanders who rendered aid, and there will be an investigation to determine if alcohol played a role. The driver of the Nissan died at the scene.

An early Sunday morning crash in Tomball claimed the life of a motorcyclist when a woman driving a Mercedes G Wagon SUV pulled in front of the biker.

HCSO lists the time of the crash as around 2:00 a.m. The woman’s SUV was traveling eastbound on Spring Cypress Road near Highway 249 when she commenced a left turn in the path of the westbound motorcycle. The motorbike struck the passenger side rear door of the Mercedes causing extensive damage. The motorcyclist died at the scene.

KHOU’s news story indicates that HCSO believe alcohol was a factor in the crash for the woman driving the Mercedes. If she is determined to have been legally intoxicated at the time of the collision she could face a charge of intoxication manslaughter.

Houston Police Department Officer James Combs remains jailed on a charge of intoxication manslaughter after a head-on collision claimed the life of single father Brian Manring.

Investigators say that Combs’ blood alcohol content was more that twice the legal limit when he crossed the center line on Beechnut in Fort Bend County and his white Chevy Tahoe SUV struck Manring’s silver Corvette. The crash happened around 6:30 a.m. on Friday August 12th. After the crash Combs refused to take a field sobriety test. Combs’ blood was later drawn at a hospital and his BAC was reported to be 0.17. In Texas a person is legally intoxicated in they operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or greater.

Brian Manring’s Facebook page is populated with pictures of his young daughter. How sad that this little girl is now forever without her Dad.

ABC Channel 13 has reported a crash late last night that injured three men. It was a single vehicle accident on Hollydale Drive in Houston. The report is that the vehicle, which appears to be a white-colored Buick crossover, was traveling at considerable speed when a change in the road surface caused a loss of control; the vehicle then struck two parked cars and flipped over. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and is in critical condition, the two passenger were transported to the hospital for treatment. Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigators are looking into whether alcohol-impairment was a factor in the crash.

30-year old Arnesia Washington has been charged with murder after a multi-vehicle accident this weekend that claimed the life of a motorcyclist. Channel 13 reports that Washington was driving on the 610 West Loop in Houston with two young children as her passengers around noon Saturday when she rear-ended the motorcycle. At the time she was being followed by two other motorists whose vehicles she has previously struck in two separate hit-and-run accidents.

Reportedly Washington also attempted to flee the scene after striking the motorcyclist but was blocked-in by the vehicles that were following her. Washington has previously been charged in Harris County with possession of a controlled substance, and is believed to have been under the influence of hydrocodone, a prescription painkiller, at the time of the fatal crash. Blood results are pending. Normally this type of accident (which is all too common in Houston) would be charged as intoxication manslaughter, but Washington has been charged with felony murder because she had the young children in her vehicle.

The deceased motorcyclist has been identified as Steven Rudoff who is from Sugar Land. Mr. Rudoff leaves a wife and three children.

One driver is dead and another is possibly facing failure to stop and render aid and intoxication manslaughter charges after a crash on Hiram Clarke near Orem at 2:00 this morning. KHOU reports that a gray-colored Infiniti was traveling around 80 MPH southbound on Hiram Clarke when it rear-ended a white-colored Pontiac Sunfire that may have been turning at the time. The Pontiac was struck so hard that the driver was thrown out of the vehicle through the rear window. The Infiniti traveled about a block before coming to a stop due to mechanical failure.