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METRO Launches Bus Accident Reduction Initiative

September 15, 2010

 

bus on HOVTo reduce accidents in the downtown area, METRO police will be looking for drivers who are violating the diamond lane traffic laws.
It’s all part of an MPD initiative the agency kicked-off earlier this week.

It’s all part of an MPD initiative the agency kicked-off earlier this week.

Statistics show:

                • In 2009, there were 782 bus accidents across METRO’s service area
                • Out of 782 accidents – 182 (23 percent) occurred in the downtown area
                • And, of that 182 – 59 (32 percent) occurred in the diamond lanes

The solid-line diamond lane on the far right is intended for buses and vehicles making right turns only, Monday-Friday.

HOV sign1The second diamond lane – shown above with dotted lines – is intended for car pools or buses between 7a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.HOV sign1

METRO police will concentrate on monitoring streets with the highest number of incidents: Louisiana, Milam, San Jacinto, Travis and Smith.

 

 

Bus Accident Reduction Initiative

Officers will make sure drivers are not parking in the far right-hand lane, forcing buses to go around the vehicles. They will also be looking for drivers who are turning from the wrong lane, or failing to drive in a single lane – two top causes for diamond-lane accidents.

chartHere are some diamond lane safety tips:

  • Make right turns ONLY from the right hand lane.
  • Don’t hover or weave between two lanes.
  • Don’t linger in the diamond lanes.
  • Drop off and pick up on the East/West streets. Never assume a bus operator sees you.
  • Never park in a diamond lane.

Safety is paramount, and METRO needs the public’s help in making this initiative a success. Drivers who violate the rules can face a steep fine, ranging from $170 to $270, which go to the city of Houston.

As part of the initiative, MPD and the agency’s safety division will also be reviewing the placement of METRO’s downtown bus stops and bus drivers’ actions.


Editor’s note: We can arrange ride-alongs with MPD. If interested, please call our media line at 713-739-4040.