Downtown Houston pedestrian death raises seriousness concerns houstonchronicle.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from houstonchronicle.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Lisa Torry Smith Act became law in September 2021, making it a crime to kill or injure a pedestrian, cyclist or other crosswalk user. Drivers who violate the law could face a Class C misdemeanor traffic violation to a state jail felony if the violation causes serious bodily injury.
The program furthers the county’s mission to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, spurred by the death of Missouri City resident Lisa Torry Smith, who died after being hit in a crosswalk while taking her son to school.
Passman filed a claim with the driver's insurance company, but he said it took weeks to sort it all out. He shared his videos, explained the markings on the road and pointed out a sign posted which reads, "Turning Traffic Must Yield to Pedestrians."
The Harris County District Attorney’s office reminded residents that a law passed two years ago that could charge drivers with felonies charges if they injure or kill someone in a crosswalk.