Harris County Sheriff's Office launches multi-agency task force to improve safety on Highway 99

CONTRIBUTED REPORT
Posted 1/12/25

In response to rising crashes and fatalities, the Harris County Sheriff's Office has launched a multi-agency task force to aggressively reduce dangerous driving behaviors on Highway 99 (Grand Parkway), the department announced in a December 18 press release.

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Harris County Sheriff's Office launches multi-agency task force to improve safety on Highway 99

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In response to rising crashes and fatalities, the Harris County Sheriff's Office has launched a multi-agency task force to aggressively reduce dangerous driving behaviors on Highway 99 (Grand Parkway), the department announced in a December 18 press release. This initiative combines the resources and expertise of the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Sheriff's Offices of Fort Bend, Chambers, Liberty, and Montgomery counties. The partnership began in November to improve safety on one of Harris County's most hazardous roadways through proactive traffic enforcement. "Highway 99 has unfortunately become one of our most dangerous roadways," said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. "Collaborating with our partners sends a clear message: reckless driving will not be tolerated." This initiative directly responds to the alarming increase in crashes and fatalities on Highway 99. This year the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has responded to 2,280 crashes on the roadway. Before the initiative, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office reported 322 crashes in their jurisdiction of Highway 99. The Harris County Sheriff's Office also responded to nine fatal crashes on the highway, while the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to three fatal crashes. Montgomery County saw two fatal crashes, and Chambers County reported one fatal crash on the roadway this year. The task force is taking decisive action to combat unsafe driving behaviors. This includes increased patrols, targeted enforcement of speeding and impaired driving, and technology for speed detection. In the early weeks of the initiative, the task force issued a total of 418 citations and warnings, including 149 speeding violations. "Roadway safety is a shared responsibility," Sheriff Gonzalez added. "Every life lost on our roadways is one too many. Through proactive traffic enforcement, we aim to prevent these tragedies and promote a change in behavior within our community to encourage safer driving habits." Drivers are urged to remain vigilant, obey all traffic laws, and prioritize safety while traveling on Highway 99.

Harris County Sheriff's Office, Highway 99 (Grand Parkway), Harris County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Sheriff's Offices of Fort Bend, Chambers, Liberty, and Montgomery counties, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez