Houston TranStar’s It’s Only a White Line campaign helps avert accidents when motorists and pedestrians become stuck on local freeways. Furthermore, the campaign wants to prevent tragedies and help drivers move vehicles off the road to follow Texas’s Move Over or Slow Down law.
“We must also educate people about the dangers of getting out of the car, changing a tire or trying to cross the freeway on foot,” said Dinah Massie, Executive Director of Houston TranStar. Reportedly, 75 percent of stranded motorists who died in Harris County over a 10-year timespan were standing by their vehicles. Moreover, the risk of injury or death in a secondary crash increases every minute that a person is not in a safe place on the road.
The It’s Only a White Line initiative advises drivers to take steps when a problem arises. First, take the closest exit, even if it breaks the tire rim. Alternatively, pull as far off the road as possible. When you’re stranded, remain in the vehicle. Stay buckled up, turn on hazard lights, call for help and move your seat as far back as possible. In the Tow and Go service area, use TranStar’s free mobile app to call for a no-cost tow. The Tow and Go quick clearance program provides no-cost towing up to one mile for vehicles that break down from mechanical issues.
“We have representatives from incident management, law enforcement, transportation, medical research, hospital trauma and auto insurance who are providing incredible insight and guidance for preventing freeway deaths,” said Massie. TranStar recruited a cross-section of experts with a distinct relevance to this issue to serve on an It’s Only a White Line Leadership Council.
The campaign features helpful information in both English and Spanish. For example, check out these two graphics from the campaign.
It’s Only a White Line wants to clear up misconceptions about freeway accidents as well. For example, motorists sometimes think moving out of harm’s way after a crash will cause them to lose insurance coverage, but this is false.
“Your insurance carrier is first and foremost concerned with your safety,” said David Wuthrich, Executive Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston and member of the It’s Only a White Line Leadership Council. “In the past, documenting a crash for insurance meant waiting for law enforcement at the scene, but getting out of danger is the first step. Taking pictures of the crash from within the safety of your vehicle, including photos of the other vehicle’s license plate, is the next important step. But getting off the freeway is the name of the game.”
Travel with knowledge from TranStar, including information on It’s Only a White Line at HoustonTranstar.org. Download TranStar’s Mobile App at the Google Play or Apple App store to access travel times, roadway conditions, and Tow and GoTM service.
Fall is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery. Now that scenery also includes beautiful works of art through the UP Art Studio's project called Mini Murals. This project transforms utility cabinets in the area with elaborate murals.
These beautifully painted murals brighten the city with public artwork and discourages graffiti vandalism. The muralists who worked on the Memorial District paintings included Dan Dollohan, Joy Matheson, and Pilot.
It is worth noting that you can find the murals by taking a day-trip drive or bike trip through the district; perfect for social distancing.
The murals can be found at:
Jason Johnson, President of MetroNational, the firm behind the development of Memorial City, was interviewed by Jeff Jeffrey of the Houston Business Journal. Johnson discussed the demolition of the Sears location at Memorial City, and he explained aspects of the redevelopment project that are on hold due to COVID-19 concerns.
"We're still in the planning phase of that project. We're taking a massive look at what we need in terms of the retail environment. That's one of the next 20 things we're going to be changing with the mall to make it more of a mixed-use, open space environment. It's going to take a lot of work and needs to get approval from a lot of people, including the anchor tenants. No one likes to sit on real estate, but we're going to take our time with that one to make sure we get it right."
He noted that the 25-story multifamily tower, The McKinley, is on schedule. The sales office should be open by the second quarter of 2021.
Johnson told The Houston Business Journal that the McKinley's office component is on hold while the firm's specialists examine how office environments might look in the future. For example, the specialists want to see the frequency with which people work from the office each week. He also expressed confidence about building an office space in Houston.
"I'm really pleased with what Texas is doing, in general, and what Houston, in particular, is doing with bringing new companies to town. We have always felt that by being a dense urban core that is outside of the (central business district), we benefit from having all of the restaurants and retail and things people want with a much shorter commute . . . Because of our location, we benefit from being in an area that is in close proximity to everything employees might need to do during the day, whether it's shopping or getting food or obtaining medical treatment."
According to Johnson, the redevelopment of Memorial City could occupy MetroNational's thoughts for the next ten years. The firm is taking the time to hear what tenants want and what retailers across the country do. The firm has moved quickly with choices about using technology to simplify deliveries and meetings. Still, it will take a steady approach to its overall growth to make sure its decisions are good ones.
Jason Johnson is the son of MetroNational's Chairman and CEO, Roy Johnson. He is also the grandson of the company's founder, Joseph Johnson.
Houston Business Journal's interview also appears on MetroNational's website.