Drivers on Allen Parkway might have noticed two seemingly innocuous speed detectors situated at Taft and Waugh Drive.

Be warned: they're not so innocuous. Although they may appear to merely encourage self-control (in case you didn't notice, you're going 55 mph), they're also data collectors that the Houston Police Department is using to evaluate whether there should be heavier ticketing on the parkway.

All signs point to yes. Car crashes and injuries have risen significantly (47 percent and 154 percent, respectively) in the last year, while speeding tickets have been on the decline.

The violent crash that killed attorney John O'Quinn and Johnny Lee Cutliff in October has drawn increased attention to the problem. City officials insist speeding, distractions and driver carelessness are causing the wrecks, not any inherent flaws in the parkway.

So be careful, folks, and expect intense enforcement beginning next week.