In 2015, Texas had the highest number of car accident deaths out of all 50 states, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Unfortunately, the number of traffic fatalities in Texas was even higher in 2016, as 3,757 people lost their lives in 3,390 accidents.
There were also 175,347 accidents that resulted in injuries to 263,536 people in 2016.
This is part of a disturbing trend in which traffic deaths and injuries in Texas have increased by 20 percent since 2011 after decades of decline.
This mirrors a nationwide trend of increasing traffic fatalities, which includes pedestrians and those riding motorcycles and bicycles.
Police in Texas believe several factors have played a role in the increase in deaths and injuries on our roadways:
- Speeding – Some parts of the state have higher speed limits than others, creating more opportunities for serious accidents.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol – Texas led the nation in drunk driving deaths in 2015, with California a distant second.
- Distracted driving – Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds can cause an accident or prevent you from making a maneuver to avoid an accident, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- Failing to wear a seat belt – NHTSA statistics reveal that nearly 50 percent of automobile passengers who lost their lives in accidents were not wearing their seat belts.
Other factors contributing to traffic fatalities and injuries in Texas include population growth, a stable economy and lower gas prices, which have increased the number of drivers on our state’s roadways.
DPS’ goal is to go one day without a fatal crash on a Texas roadway before Nov. 7. There has not been one traffic-fatality-free day in Texas since 2000.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an automobile crash, the Fort Worth car accident lawyers of Anderson Cummings will fight for justice on your behalf. Our personal injury attorneys may be able to secure fair compensation for physical, financial and emotional damages.
Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form today.