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Latest fatal accident prompts drivers for change on Houghton Road

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After a crash on Houghton Road left a teenager dead and the driver with serious injuries, Drivers who use this road daily say they want the City of Tucson to fix the road to make it safer for travelers. 
 
The curvy road stretches nearly 30 miles North to South and changes from 1 to 3 lanes depending on location. 
 
KGUN9 viewers call this road "dangerous" once drivers get to the stretch between Interstate 10 and Sahuarita Road. 
 
Steve Morris, who travels Houghton Road daily says, "It is very dangerous because speeding and a lot of cars are passing everyone - trying to get to work faster than everyone else."
 
According to the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the Tucson Police Department, they have responded to 58 accidents since 2014. 
  • 2014 (11)
  • 2015 (24)
  • 2016 (22)
  • 2017 (1 Fatal) 
The Department of Transportation released a statement to KGUN regarding Houghton Road:
 
We do not design and/or construct dangerous roadways. Motorists and passengers should always wear seat belts, obey the posted speed limits, pay attention to the roadway and drive with caution.
 
But drivers who travel this road every day say something must be done. They say there should be more police patrol and control over speeding. 
 
Pantano High school released this statement regarding the students involved in the deadly crash: 
Barbara Bush once said…"Cherish your human connections - your relationships with friends and family."
 
These words never rang truer for our Pantano Family than it does for us today. 
 
It is with great sadness that we share with you that one of OUR kids lost his life in an automobile accident on his way to school yesterday morning. Two other Pantano students were also involved. While emotionally traumatized, fortunately they managed to walk away with minor injuries.
 
Counselors from Pantano and other Vail High Schools were on campus to assist with the roller coaster of emotions felt by our students, faculty and staff as the reality of the tragedy began to sink in. Counselors will remain on campus and will be available as long as there are students who are in need of our support.
 
Our friend, brother, and classmate was a wonderful young man, full of life, happiness, and a smile that could light up any room.  We will miss him terribly.
 
We continue to remain close to his family and will provide details regarding services as they are made available to us. 
 
As we continue to grieve for his family as well as our own Pantano family, we ask that you respect his memory by sending warm thoughts and prayers for all who were affected.
 
With deepest sympathies,
Monica H. Wright
Principal
Click here if you would like to donate to the students' Go-fund-me.