Austin Lawmakers Push for Enhanced Hospital Safety Following Fatal Emergency Room Crash

Austin Lawmakers Seek Hospital Safety After Tragic Crash

AUSTIN — Following a tragic incident at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, local lawmakers are taking steps to ensure that hospitals in Texas are safer for patients and their families. In February, a drunk driver crashed her vehicle into the hospital’s emergency room lobby, resulting in the death of the driver and serious injuries to five others, including the Bernard family.

Looking for Solutions

In light of this event, State Senator Royce West, a Democrat from Dallas, has announced that he is considering introducing a bill focused on improving hospital safety. “We’ll sit down with the hospitals and kind of get their take on exactly how we go about tackling and resolving this particular problem,” West said, highlighting his commitment to addressing these safety concerns.

This comes nearly eight months after the crash that left many in the community heartbroken. West expressed sympathy for the Bernard family, stating, “What happened to you is a tragedy and it shouldn’t happen again in the state of Texas.” He feels a strong responsibility to find solutions that will prevent similar accidents in the future.

Understanding the Risks

KXAN’s investigation earlier this year revealed a concerning trend: there have been over 300 similar crashes across the country in the last decade. This number alarmed West, prompting him to look into safety features like crash-rated security barriers, known as bollards. These barriers are designed to absorb the impact of a vehicle and can be effective at stopping speeding cars from entering high-risk areas, such as hospital entrances.

After the crash in Austin, St. David’s took immediate action and installed a dozen bollards to enhance the safety of the emergency room lobby. However, KXAN’s investigation found that there is currently no requirement for hospitals in Texas to have these protective barriers, despite the increased risk associated with medical facilities.

Policy Changes on the Horizon

The Austin City Council is also getting involved. An ordinance requiring crash-rated bollards at new hospitals and urgent care clinics is in the works. Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly introduced a resolution in July to draft this ordinance, which is expected to be reviewed and voted on by the council on December 12.

West is keen to speak with hospital officials before deciding whether to file legislation that would implement a uniform standard for bollards across the state. He also plans to research what other states have done regarding hospital safety. Notably, California updated its laws in 2022, allowing insurance discounts for businesses that install bollards.

Engaging with the Community

As discussions move forward, West emphasizes the importance of looking at this issue through a community lens. He indicated a desire to meet with the Bernard family to hear their experiences and concerns directly. “You do a cost-benefit analysis: Life over a few dollars,” he said, making it clear that he prioritizes life-saving measures over financial considerations.

Wider Impact

The KXAN investigation has not only influenced local discussions but has also sparked a review of bollard safety at federal facilities in the southwest. Congressman Lloyd Doggett reached out to the General Services Administration, prompting an ongoing assessment of safety measures.

As the discussions continue at both the state and local levels, there is hope that any new policies will help prevent future tragedies and ensure that hospital entrances are as safe as possible for everyone. The aim is clear: to create a safer environment in medical facilities and safeguard the lives of patients and their families.