POLICE Department

HPD Investigating Several Weekend Hit-and-Run Crashes, Offers Tips to Drivers and Pedestrians

January 25, 2016 - As investigators in the Houston Police Department Vehicular Crimes Division investigate at least four hit-and-run crashes that killed three people since Saturday (Jan. 23), investigators urge pedestrians to be cautious in and around Houston's busy roadways, especially at night. 

At a news briefing today (Jan. 25), investigators asked for the public's help in identifying vehicles and drivers wanted in hit-and-run crashes and reminded the public that a Crime Stoppers reward of up to $5,000 is available in each case.  Investigators discussed how most accidents involving pedestrians this month involve drivers who fled the scene, a felony crime.  
Pedestrians are reminded:

• Do not walk across the street unless you are at a crosswalk.
• Take the extra minute or two to walk to a crosswalk.
• Obey traffic signals of Walk / Don't Walk.
• Look before you step.
• Do not assume vehicles will stop.  Make eye contact with a driver; don't just look at a vehicle.
• Dress to be seen.  Wear light colored clothing if walking at night and carry a flashlight, if possible.
• Do not wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while walking across the street. 
• Be careful in construction zones. 

Motorists are reminded to:

• Be cautious, alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid distractions (like talking and texting on cell phones).
• Always be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists. 
• Stop and render aid if you strike a pedestrian or vehicle.
• Stop and render aid even if you do not have a driver's license or insurance.  In most instances, those are Class C misdemeanor citations issued as opposed to felony charges for fleeing the scene.

For more information on pedestrian safety go to https://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/brochures/english/Pedestrian_Safety_Awareness.pdf 
Anyone with information in any hit-and-run crash in the city limits is urged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4065 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS, where tips remain anonymous.

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