Houston Records Deadliest Year for Traffic Fatalities in 2024

Traffic deaths in Houston reached a record 344 in 2024, as the city struggles to meet Vision Zero goals and debates safety strategies.

Houston experienced 344 traffic-related deaths in 2024, a 15% increase from 2023, marking the highest number in the city's history.
One-third of fatalities were pedestrians, with many incidents occurring on high-speed roads or freeways, highlighting the risks to non-drivers.
Mayor Whitmire's administration shifted focus from Vision Zero's infrastructure redesigns to increased law enforcement, sparking criticism from safety advocates who argue for data-driven street improvements.
Advocates cite the lack of updates to Houston's Vision Zero dashboard and stalled data analysis as barriers to addressing the most dangerous streets effectively.
Other Texas cities like Austin have seen success in reducing traffic deaths through comprehensive Vision Zero strategies, emphasizing infrastructure changes and slower traffic speeds.