SAN ANTONIO – The ongoing issue of vehicular accidents on Southwest Loop 410 near Dartmoor Street has emerged as a significant concern for local residents, particularly following a startling incident six months ago when a car crashed into a man’s bedroom.
On October 26, 2025, Juan Rodriguez experienced an alarming moment when a driver lost control and drove through the wall of his bedroom while navigating the Loop 410 access road on the Southwest Side. Rodriguez recounted, “This is the fourth time that there’s been a car wreck in my property, but this is the first time it’s gone into the house.”
The distressing trend of speeding vehicles has left many residents anxious. Neighbors have echoed Rodriguez’s concerns, with one, Scott, stating, “They come off that exit flying. They ran through our fence like five times, six times.” Another neighbor, Marcus, added, “I hear them speeding all night.”
District 4 City Councilman Edward Mungia acknowledged the complexity of the situation, explaining that the access road is maintained by the state, which limits the city’s direct control over the issue. Mungia has indicated that plans are underway to replace the current metal barriers with reinforced concrete systems. He stated, “They (Texas Department of Transportation) are going to remove those metal barriers that everyone just goes right through when they crash and they’re going to concrete lips all along the access road.” This new system aims to prevent vehicles from breaching the property line, providing a more robust defense against potential accidents.
Despite these planned improvements, Mungia mentioned that the project is still about a year away. In the interim, some mitigation measures are being considered. “We talked to TxDOT about adding something in the right-of-way, so we have those out in the community, speed radar feedback signs,” he explained, adding that the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) will also enhance enforcement in the area.
For residents like Rodriguez, the delay in implementing safety measures is a pressing concern. He argued for immediate solutions, saying, “What we need is speed bumps so that people can actually be forced to slow down.” Rodriguez has borne the financial burden of repeated accidents, stating, “I literally paid for a lot of this out of my own pocket.” With retirement still pending, he relies heavily on his VA benefits to make ends meet.
In a proactive attempt to safeguard his property, Rodriguez has taken matters into his own hands by purchasing large rocks to deter vehicles from crashing into his home again. “So that if it happens again, another car stops here and doesn’t hit our house and doesn’t hurt anybody,” he expressed, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to this persistent problem.
