This week, Mayor John Whitmire launched a new traffic safety push in Houston. The effort targets two of the city’s busiest and most unpredictable corridors: Interstate 45 and U.S. 59.

Whitmire made it clear in a social media post and during a video address that reckless driving, speeding, and road rage have gotten out of control. He said these aren’t just frustrating habits. They’re dangerous, and city officials tolerate them.

The Houston Police Department steps up enforcement across these highways

Police Chief Noe Diaz recently took the reins at HPD. He explained that the department is pairing enforcement with community outreach. The goal is to calm tensions behind the wheel while also making sure drivers understand the consequences of losing it in traffic.

This new initiative lines up with Whitmire’s broader push for public safety

Just last month, he announced a major five-year police contract. The commitment includes nearly $1 billion in officer raises, the Houston Chronicle shared. The mayor has stressed that the department is understaffed. He said Houston may need as many as 1,200 additional officers to meet the city’s growing demands.

Drivers in Houston are no strangers to aggressive behavior on the road

From high-speed weaving to brake checks and shouting matches at red lights, the daily grind has become a battlefield for some. Whitmire’s team says it’s time to change that.

The mayor promised a consistent presence from law enforcement, especially along the corridors where problems are most frequent. The city wants drivers to feel safer and more secure getting to where they need to go, without worrying about a sideshow of speed demons or short tempers.