Your ride to the rodeo: Things to know about parking and transportation
We kicked off the party early last week with a KPRC 2 Houston Life Rodeo Special, covering everything from the rides, performances, and clothes! But what about your ride to the rodeo? Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes helps break down all of your options!
TRAFFIC UPDATE: Westpark Drive closing under 610 West Loop this weekend
This is the latest phase of a project thatโs been going on for years, but weโre getting close to the finish line! We started the new year with a long-term closure of the southbound West Loop entrance ramp, from Westheimer Road itโs all located near the Galleria area.
Striving 2 Save: Houston, feeling the squeeze as inflation rages, prices soar? Hereโs how to save a few extra bucks this week
Prices have increased faster than at any other point in four decades. The cost of gasoline rose an average of 48.7 % in the past year. Airline tickets are up 45.9%, used cars and trucks nearly 38%, eggs 32.2%.
Take a first look at the new technology being used to detect wrong-way drivers around Houston
Houston highways will soon get a little bit safer. KPRC 2 traffic expert Anavid Reyes got a first look at the new wrong-way driver detection system that will be going in at 16 new locations by the end of 2021.
Here are a few quick, easy ways to save money at the pump
You might be feeling a little pain at the gas pump, especially when you start seeing the number on the payment screen creep into the 40s and then into the 50s. KPRC 2 traffic expert Anavid Reyes shows you โways 2 saveโ when filling up your tank.
Hyperloop Technology: When is it coming to Texas?
HOUSTON โ The Hyperloop technology could revolutionize ground transportation, itโs set to be faster than high-speed trains by leaps and bounds, with the potential to take passengers from Dallas to Houston in minutes. Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes spoke with AECOM to see when Texas could see this technology. This is a type of futuristic technology that would be a game changer for ground transportation. โHonestly, the experience is very similar to riding a train or flying an airplane, even though youโre moving this quickly, youโre just moving at airline speeds,โ said Duong. Duong tells us Texas could see it in the coming two decades, but to keep in mind, the technology is still in its early stages of development.
Step-by-step on what to do after a crash
Would you know what to do if you were involved in a car crash? KPRC 2โฒs Anavid Reyes spoke with the Harris County Sheriffโs Office to give you a step-by-step look at what you should do if you are involved in a crash. Itโs even better if you can get off of the highway and drive into a parking lot. Dash cams are like gold โgiving you clear video proof of whoโs at fault โ and ways to track them down. HTX Dash Cams carries some of the latest and greatest in terms of dashcam technology.
Whatโs Driving Houston: Roads feel busier, but whatโs the traffic volume update?
As weโve slowly started to return to work and school, some of that Houston congestion is making a comeback. You may have noticed your morning and evening commutes are now getting busier, but Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes is here to report the latest travel data shows weโre still well below normal, some parts more than others. In Houston, according to Waze, we were down nearly 50% for the week of Nov. 2, compared to the same time pre-COVID-19. Overall, Waze data shows in the months of November and December, people drove 42% fewer miles compared to miles traveled before the pandemic hit. Compare that to the summer, when miles driven were down 50% in July, so this data shows we are seeing a slow travel increase.
How much does it really cost to drive your car?
Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes breaks down AAAโs numbers for the average annual driving costs for 2020. Bottom lineThe average annual driving cost is the highest on record since AAA began tracking expenses in 1950 at $9,561. Since 1950, AAA has published itโs annual Your Driving Costs study that breaks down the cost of owning a new car, including depreciation, finance, fuel, insurance, license/registration/taxes and maintenance/repair. Texans love their pickup trucks โ but they have the highest overall driving costs-- 75.39ยข/mile. These are then combined and averaged to determine the overall cost to own a new car in 2020.
Woman killed, 2 arrested following chase in west Houston, sheriff says
HOUSTON โ A woman is dead after she was hit following a police chase in west Houston, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Two men were quickly apprehended, but the third, a woman, ran out into traffic and was hit by a Chevy Trailblazer, Gonzalez said. Authorities said when he turned on his lights, the suspects fled the scene. Investigators said the traffic stop was initiated on Highway 6, but the suspect driver hit the gas and drove to the I-10 feeder road. Deputies are unsure why the woman fled other than the fact that she was trying to avoid the arrest.
No more lost luggage, thanks to United Airlinesโ new baggage handling technology
HOUSTON โ United Airlinesโ new baggage handling system at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the first of its kind in the United States. Our Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes got a rare opportunity at a first look behind the scenes at this new technology that impressively reduces the chances of losing your luggage. The new technology will be able to process 10,000 bags per hour. Increased scan accuracy by 25%Creates the ability to reroute customer bags while in storage system without manual intervention ensuring bags get onto the correct flight. Phase two construction begins in January, allowing United Airlines to process even more bags.
Ask 2: Who has the right-of-way at a 4-way stop?
As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Cynthia, from the Heights area, wants to know: Who has the right-of-way at a 4-way stop? Hereโs what you need to keep in mind:First come, first served: At a 4-way stop, the first car to arrive at the intersection goes first. Drivers yield to the right: If two vehicles come to a stop at a four-way stop at the same time and are next to each other, the right-of-way goes to the person who is on the right. When two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time, and they are head-to-head and one of the vehicles is wanting to turn and the other intends to go straight, the vehicle going straight has right of way.
Ask 2: What are crews doing on Fountain View Drive between Westheimer, Richmond?
HOUSTON โ At KPRC 2, weโre dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: George asks, What are crews doing on Fountain View Drive between Westheimer, Richmond? Answer: Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes reached out to the City of Houston, and according to Houston Public Works, crews are will be installing sanitary sewer lines, manholes, reinforce concrete pavement, improving curbs, and adjusting water and sanitary sewer lines. Fountain View Drive constructionThe project has two phases:Phase 1: Fountain View Drive from Gulfton to Schumber Lane - Spring 2020 to Spring 2021Phase 2: Fountainview from Schumber Lane to Westheimer - Spring 2021 to Spring 2022
What you need to know if youโre taking a Thanksgiving flight this year
HOUSTON โ Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and a lot of people havenโt gone anywhere since the pandemic started. Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes walks us through what fliers can expect at the airport, especially if itโs their first flight since March. There will be a table at the entrance of the ticketing lobby where someone can hand you a facemask for free. Cleaning surfacesyouโll also notice workers disinfecting the ticketing lobby seats periodically as you wait for your flight. TSA says the key for safer travel is to reducetouch points and carry everything in carry on.
Marranitos: This Mexican pastry KPRC 2โฒs Anavid Reyes shared will make you feel like fall
HOUSTON โ KPRC 2โฒs Anavid Reyes is always whipping up something on her social media pages, but this time she featured her mamaโs pastry, perfect for fall: โmaranitos.โMarranitos or โlittle piggiesโ are a Mexican sweet bread that โtastes like a mix of chocolate, cinnamon and molasses.โThis Mexican sweet bread is called โmaranitos,โ or little piggies. (Copyright 2020 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.) This Mexican sweet bread is called โmaranitos,โ or little piggies. Anavid said the breads are perfect to dip in a coffee or chocolate abuelita on a cool morning. Some folks actually like them a little stale because they donโt fall apart in your drink.
How to join the KPRC 2 traffic team on Waze
KPRC 2 and Waze have teamed up to help you navigate the tricky traffic in Houston. Heres how you can join our team:Download the free Waze app from your app store. Scroll down and tap Teams. Select KPRC 2 from the list. Joining the team lets you report a trouble spot to KPRC 2 traffic expert Anavid Reyes. Then, she might use your report to help inform other drivers about the problem.
Houstons first chief transportation planner talks citys traffic to-do list
HOUSTON This week, Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes sat down with the City of Houston's first Chief Transportation Planner, David Fields. So he said, before I got here, the Vision Zero Committee, to figure out how do we make this stop. How do we make our city streets safer? He also shared how hes is working on rolling out a Vision Zero Action plan in September. In Houston 60% of fatal and serious injury crashes happen on just 6% of Houston streets.
How to keep your car in tip-top shape even while sitting still
HOUSTON Are you about to go on a long vacation? Or maybe your car hasnt moved as much, because youve been working from home? Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes spoke with AAA to get some tips to keep your car in tip-top shape even while sitting idle. In general, if your car hasnt moved for quite some time, it is best to make sure you pop open that hood before you hit the road again. According to experts at AAA, here is what you need to keep in mind:
Counting traffic: What do Houston traffic volumes look like today?
HOUSTON Since this pandemic weve been tracking the big drop in traffic across the Houston area, but where do we stand, since the state reopened, in mid-May? Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes spoke with Houston Transtar and has the answer. Its safe to say traffic volumes are still gradually growing, since their low point during the pandemic, but theyre still below what we saw during this time last year. The following week in May, volumes were 18% lower. In the week of May 30, we saw traffic returning with traffic volumes only off 13% year-to-year.
What are the craziest things Houston drivers do behind the wheel? Here are the top 5.
HOUSTON โ Summer is here guys and many of you might be venturing out on your next road trip. Itโs important to stay safe on these long rides, but for some drivers, safety is merely a suggestion. Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes breaks down just how distracted Houston drivers can be. Houston ranks number one for most likely to read a book or newspaper while driving. Texting and drivingHouston ranks number three for most likely to kiss and drive in the U.S.
100 deadliest days for teen drivers
HOUSTON Shocking statistics show for every mile driven, new teen drivers are three times more likely to be in a deadly crash compared to adults, according to AAA. What can be even more shocking, is that right now we are under the 100 deadliest days on the road for teen drivers. Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes took a look at what this means for these young Texas drivers. AAA says about 68 teens in Texas are killed in a car crash every summer and in the past month, 72% of teen drivers nationwide admitted to risky behavior behind the wheel. According to Henk, the five leading risks for teen crashes are:
Heres an update on the Elysian Viaduct Bridge improvements
HOUSTON Construction of a healthier, broader bridge is underway on the near northside in Houston. The Texas Department of Transportation has been working on the Elysian Viaduct Bridge for years and many are wondering, When is it going to be finished?"Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes spoke with TXDOT and she learned drivers should be able to use this new bridge by the end of the year. As youre making your way into the heart of Houston from the northside, near IH-10, you may have noticed the bright pink paint job on the new Elysian Viaduct Bridge columns. The $35.6 million bridge reconstruction kicked off four years ago and it stretches from Brooks to Commerce Street. The new bridge will also have shoulders, something the 4-lane roadway didnt have before.
Call to action answered to fix dangerous intersection near Rice Univeristy
HOUSTON The intersection of Main Street and Sunset Boulevard near Rice University has a history of dangerous accidents, especially for cyclists. In fact, a science professor at Rice University died in a crash in 2017 while cycling into work. These changes come after multiple calls for safer roads west of Hermann Park near Rice University by several local organizations. The Sunset Boulevard and Main Street intersection project is part of Mayor Turners safe streets initiative. New traffic signals are also underway to help with flow and the next phase includes testing those traffic lights.
More than 400,000 unsafe airbags remain in vehicles on Houston-area roads
HOUSTON Takata first notified drivers of their defective airbags in 2015 when about 37 million vehicles were affected nationwide. According to Safeairbags.com, more than 17 million recalled airbags remain on the road today. Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes learned more than 400,000 of those recalled airbags are on Houston-area roads alone and with the summer heat ahead, this is a big concern. Fortunately, dealerships now have the parts to repair those airbags. The problem with the defective Takata airbags is that a part inside can explode, shooting sharp metal fragments at passengers inside the vehicle.
Ask 2: When are the potholes going to be fixed on Gellhorn Drive?
HOUSTON โ At KPRC 2, weโre dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things HoustonQuestion: When are the potholes going to be fixed on Gellhorn Drive between Market St and Wallisville in the Pleasantville area ? Answer: After speaking with the cityโs traffic department, Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes learned Houston Public Works continues to provide routine maintenance to Gellhorn Drive, including pothole repairs and panel replacements. Houston Public Works uses the pavement condition index, international roughness index and traffic volume data, as well as 311 call data to determine which streets need immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction. The community is urged to report potholes and street repair requests to 311.
Dangerous Midtown intersection underneath Brazos Street Bridge getting facelift
This is the area weโre talking about where the City of Houston decided to reconstruct the Brazos Street Bridge on the Spur 527, instead of creating a progressive green space concept some people wanted. The cityโs planner tells Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes they worked hard to improve the intersection where Bagby, Smith and Holman street all come together underneath the Brazos Street Bridge for this type of active transportation. improvement schematic designThe plan is to rebuild the Brazos Street Bridge on the Spur 527 first. The goal for the Bagby/ Holman/Smith street intersection underneath that bridge is to make it safer, especially because right now, residents say itโs not. An update for drivers: the southbound turning lane from Smith onto Holman Street will also be removed at this intersection because not a lot of people use it anyway.
Get2Know KPRC 2 News Todayโs traffic expert Anavid Reyes
HOUSTON โ Traffic expert and โWhatโs Driving Houstonโ reporter, Anavid Reyes, helps us navigate our morning commute as part of the KPRC 2 News Today team. Courtesy: (Anavid Reyes)Reyes joined the morning newscast in April and is working alongside Owen Conflenti, Britta Merwin, Amy Davis, and Haley Hernandez. Everybodyโs been great, said Reyes, who also working on stories for โWhatโs Driving Houstonโ. Reyes, who keeps viewers updated about traffic, found her match in husband Rafael, who is a civil engineer working on roadways. Courtesy: (Anavid Reyes)You can follow Reyes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Get2Know KPRC 2 News Today traffic expert Anavid Reyes | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2
Get2Know KPRC 2 News Today traffic expert Anavid Reyes | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: May 13, 2020, 2:32 pmTraffic expert and What's Driving Houston reporter, Anavid Reyes helps us navigate our morning commute as part of the KPRC 2 News Today team. The Houstonian spoke to Houston Life about her professional and personal life to get to know her a little better.
9 things to know about new KPRC 2 traffic anchor Anavid Reyes
Traffic anchor Anavid Reyes joined the KPRC 2 News Today team in April. Reyes comes to KPRC 2 from Austin where she was a traffic anchor at KVUE. Anavid Reyes' parents (Anavid Reyes)I have 2 younger brothers, Luis, 21 and Anthony, 14. Anavid Reyes celebrates her dog's birthday (Anavid Reyes)If I could, I would move out to a ranch and have a bunch of dogs, horses, sheep, giraffes, you name it! Connect with herStay in touch with Anavid Reyes by following her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.