Montrose pedestrians hit by alleged hit-and-run drunk driver in Fiat

Two pedestrians, a man and a woman, were transported to hospital Saturday night after they were struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in the Montrose area. The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Tuam Street and Helena Street. Witnesses say the driver of a silver Fiat car wasn't necessarily speeding but was driving faster than would be expected for the conditions, when he struck the couple then kept going around the corner, despite significant damage to his car. A witness followed the Fiat, and the Fiat returned to the scene of the accident where additional witnesses prevented the driver from leaving. Law enforcement believes the driver was intoxicated. Channel 2's report is here.

I was in trial last week in Harris County Civil District Court on a drunk driving hit-and-run accident. The jury awarded $20,000 in punitive damages against the drunk driver for gross negligence. Typically jurors have little patience for drunk drivers, particularly those who flee.

Damage to the silver Fiat that struck two Montrose pedestrians

An injured pedestrian laying in the roadway

The driver of the Fiat in police custody

Elderly driver fatally hits Montrose pedestrian walking dogs on D'Amico Street

A pedestrian walking her dogs in the 3300 block of D'Amico Street just west of Waugh Drive in Houston's Montrose neighborhood was fatally struck by a car Friday evening. Official say an elderly lady was driving the car that hit the pedestrian. Police say it appears the driver came to a halt at a stop sign then stepped on the gas: witnesses who spoke to Channel 11 News said the victim didn't have a chance to get out of the way of the car and the accident happened very suddenly. Witnesses also said the driver, who appeared to be in her 80's was very upset. Neighbors say the victim is in her 50's or 60's and lives in a townhome near the scene of the accident.

Update: Authorities have identified the victim as Lucinda Dixon, 67.

Without prejudging the facts of this particular tragic incident, if you have an elderly friend or relative who drives, please consider talking to them about their safety on the road. The AARP offers an online seminar about speaking with older drivers on the issue of driver safety. 

The elderly driver is interviewed by investigating officers

The pedestrian was walking her dogs in the 3300
block of D'Amico Street in Houston's Montrose neighborhood

Accident witnesses said the pedestrian had no
chance to avoid the approaching car