Texas is the third most dangerous state in the US to drive, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Car accident rates and fatalities have been an ongoing concern for Texas residents, both in rural areas and the cities. Understanding these statistics is essential for identifying trends that will help improve safety measures to reduce the number of accidents in the future. This article explores car accident rates across various Texas cities, comparing data, identifying the most dangerous cities, and providing actionable steps to take if you suffer an accident.
Vehicle Accident Statistics
Car accident rates across the United States remained a critical issue for public safety. Below is a breakdown of accident rates by type of vehicle provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- All Motor Vehicles: For the last three years, the U.S. has seen over 6 million crashes each year. More than 2 million injuries were reported as a result of these accidents, with 230,000 crashes resulting in severe injuries and over 42,000 deaths per year.
- Private Automobiles: Over the last three years, over 4.3 million crashes involved private automobiles each year, making them the most frequent type of vehicle in accidents. These accidents led to more than 1.8 million injuries and 31,000 deaths per year.
- Commercial Trucks: There were over 500,000 commercial truck accidents, resulting in over 140,000 injuries and 5,00 deaths per year for the last three years.
- Motorcycles: For the last three years, there have been more than 88,000 motorcycle accidents across the U.S. This resulted in over 70,000 injuries, many of which were critical, resulting in 5,800 deaths each year. Motorcycle accident rates are lower compared to other vehicles. However, they are more deadly.
Texas Vehicle Accident Statistics
Texas Motor vehicle accident fatalities represent approximately 10% of the nation’s fatalities. Texas is one of the most dangerous states to drive, with some of the highest car accident rates across the nation. Below is a breakdown of the most recent Texas traffic accident reports for 2021, 2022, and 2023 provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for different types of vehicles involved in accidents.
- All Motor Vehicles: The state has over 258,000 crashes reported, more than 16,500 crashes resulted in serious injuries, and 4,200 deaths per year.
- Private Automobiles: From 2021 to 2023, Texas had over 180,000 crashes involving private passenger vehicles each year. These crashes resulted in more than 12,000 serious injuries and over 3,000 fatalities.
- Commercial Trucks: Over 24,500 crashes involved large commercial trucks, provoking more than 3,500 serious injuries and nearly 600 fatalities each year for the last three years.
- Motorcycles: From 2021 to 2023, there were approximately 6,400 yearly motorcycle accidents across Texas. The vast majority of motorcycle accidents resulted in injuries, with more than 4,500 motorcyclists sustaining severe injuries and 500 motorcyclists losing their lives.
Texas Cities Road Accident Comparison
Analyzing Texas road accident data, it’s clear that some cities continue to be more prone to collisions and fatalities than others.
- Houston continues to have the highest number of automobile accidents in Texas. According to TxDOT’s 2023 data, Houston recorded nearly 68,000 car accidents, including over 290 fatal crashes, making it the city with the most dangerous roads in Texas.
- San Antonio reported over 40,077 accidents in 2023, resulting in 536 fatalities.
- Dallas followed closely behind with around 31,678 car crashes and 205 fatalities.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following factors were the most common causes of accidents in 2023:
- Alcohol-impaired driving was a factor in nearly 31% of all traffic deaths in the U.S.
- Speeding contributed to nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities.
- Distracted driving contributed to over 3,100 fatalities.
What Should You Do in Case of an Accident?
If you’re involved in a car accident, there are several steps you should take:
- Check for injuries: Immediately assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is even slightly hurt. Remember, many internal injuries will not be visible, or their severity might not be felt due to the adrenaline circulating in your body after an accident.
- Document the scene: Take photos and video of the accident, including damage to vehicles and any injuries. These can be crucial for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
- Exchange information: Get the names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved in the accident.
- File a police report: A police report will be critical for insurance claims and can provide an official record of the accident.
- Call a successful accident and personal injury lawyer: If you believe you were not at fault for the accident, call a successful accident and personal injury lawyer to help you evaluate your case, determine all the liable parties, navigate insurance claims, or even any lawsuit you can file. Remember, insurance companies will try to close your case as fast as possible and pay as little as possible. Successful personal injury lawyers will not charge you for the consultation call and will only get paid if they win your case and only a percentage of the benefits they win for you. Calling an experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure fair compensation.
Texas Car Accident Rates, A Critical Issue
Car accident rates remain a critical issue for Texas residents. Understanding the data and trends behind these accidents can help individuals and city and state officials make more informed decisions on the road and reduce collisions. By adhering to safety measures, staying alert, and knowing what to do in case of an accident, Texans can contribute to lowering the alarming car accident rates that affect thousands of lives each year.
