Understanding car accident statistics in Texas is crucial for grasping the scope and nature of the state’s road safety challenges. These statistics provide a detailed view of contributing factors, emerging trends, and critical areas that require urgent attention from transportation authorities and law enforcement agencies. From fatal collisions to minor incidents, each accident has significant implications for the victims and the community.

The Texas Department of Transportation provides road accident statistics for the year 2022 that provide an overview of the most relevant motor vehicle crash data:

  • The fatality rate on Texas roads in 2022 was 1.55 deaths per one hundred million vehicle miles traveled, a 1.99% decrease from 2021.
  • There were 4,481 traffic fatalities in 2022, a 0.36% decrease from 2021.
  • In 2022, there were 15,299 crashes involving serious injuries, with 18,880 people sustaining severe injuries.
  • People in Texas traveled 289.965 billion miles in vehicles during 2022, a 1.66% increase from 2021.
  • 51.42% of traffic fatalities occurred in rural areas, totaling 2,304 deaths.
  • There were 1,471 deaths in single-vehicle crashes where the vehicle left the roadway, accounting for 32.83% of all traffic fatalities in 2022.
  • A total of 1,030 people died in crashes occurring at or related to intersections.
  • There were 636 deaths in head-on collisions in 2022.
  • Friday, July 22, was the deadliest day in 2022, with 31 traffic accident fatalities. September was the deadliest month, with 427 fatalities.
  • Based on reported crashes in 2022, it is estimated that one person died every 1 hour and 57 minutes, one person was injured every 2 minutes and 9 seconds, and one reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds.
  • Of those killed in vehicles where seat belt use was applicable and known, 48.03% were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
  • A total of 244,092 people were injured in traffic accidents in 2022.
  • There were 562 motorcyclists (drivers and passengers) killed in 2022, and 39% of them were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
  • Pedestrian fatalities totaled 828, and 91 bicyclists were killed in 2022.
  • A total of 1,163 people died in crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol, accounting for 25.95% of all fatalities.
  • Most alcohol-impaired driving crashes occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 2:59 a.m. on Saturdays.
  • There were 484 fatalities in crashes involving distracted driving in 2022, an 11.01% increase from 2021.
  • No fatalities were reported in bridge collapses in 2022.

Throughout this Blog, our Legal Firm will guide you through the most critical traffic accident statistics in Texas to help you better understand this topic.

Impact of COVID-19 on Car Crash Statistics

According to the Los Angeles Times, road accidents surged during the pandemic. The unexpected rise in road fatalities in the U.S. in 2021 reached a total of 38,680, puzzled experts. This figure represents the highest number of fatalities since 2007, despite significant reductions in traffic due to precautionary measures during the pandemic.

Ken Kolosh, a researcher at the National Safety Council, noted that this unprecedented phenomenon took the road safety community by surprise. One hypothesis is that Americans were experiencing high levels of stress, and drivers may have expressed their anxiety recklessly on the roads, which contained less traffic due to mobility restrictions.

Initially, fatal crashes were expected to decrease in 2021 with the return of traffic to normal levels. However, recent data suggests that, contrary to expectations, the pandemic has contributed to riskier behavior by American drivers. This translates to an increase in behaviors such as speeding, alcohol or drug use, and neglecting seat belt use, despite decades of progress in road safety.

“The white crosses that line our roads represent the most tangible connection many people will have to this crisis,” said Paul Ravelin, a state police commander in Vermont, noting the 32% increase in fatalities during 2020.

Common Causes of Traffic Collisions

Identifying the most common causes of traffic collisions is essential for prevention. Road safety statistics provide us with the primary causes of accidents.

Distracted Driving

In 2023, distracted driving was a significant cause of car crashes in Texas, accounting for about one in six recorded collisions. These incidents, where the driver’s attention was diverted from driving, had tragic consequences: 399 fatalities and 2,793 severe injuries.

Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, adjusting music, or interacting with passengers. Distracted driving significantly increases the risk of car accidents due to reduced attention and slower reaction times.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Texas ranks among the top five states for traffic collisions involving alcohol. Recent accident rate statistics reveal a grim reality: 2021 saw a worsening of drunk driving incidents compared to 2020.

  • A staggering total of 25,261 alcohol-related traffic collisions occurred in Texas in 2021.
  • These incidents tragically resulted in 1,029 fatalities, equivalent to one death every 8.5 hours.
  • Additionally, 2,522 people suffered serious injuries due to these crashes.
  • Alarmingly, 24% of all traffic fatalities in Texas in 2021 were directly attributed to alcohol-impaired driving.

Compared to the previous year, there was a notable 9% increase in alcohol-related car accidents.

Speeding

Speeding is the leading factor contributing to vehicle crashes in Texas, increasing the risk of death and serious injuries in a crash. The Texas Department of Transportation has launched several campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding, which was the cause of one-third of fatal accidents in Texas in 2022.

Speeding was documented as the cause of 2,192 fatal accident cases. Of these, 13.96% were traveling over 80 mph, and 4.97% were traveling over 100 mph. These figures underscore the urgent need to address these issues to ensure road safety.

Texas Legislation sets a maximum speed limit of 70 mph, but the Texas Transportation Commission has the authority to set a maximum speed limit of 75 mph, 80 mph, or 85 mph if the highway is designed to accommodate that speed and is determined to be safe and reasonable following a traffic or engineering study. Additionally, an 80 mph maximum speed limit is allowed on a specific segment of Interstates 10 and 20 within 10 counties.

Weather-Related Accidents

In 2021, Texas faced numerous challenges on the roads, dealing with adverse weather conditions that significantly increased vehicle accident numbers. Among these incidents, snow-related crashes stood out, with a total of 1,795 cases recorded throughout the year. Snow-covered roads present an additional challenge for those venturing out to drive, resulting in a higher likelihood of loss of control and collisions.

In addition to snow-related accidents, Texas also experienced a high incidence of fog-related crashes, with a total of 1,051 cases reported during the year. Reduced visibility during foggy conditions can make it difficult for drivers to react promptly to emergencies, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

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Heavy rains also contributed to the number of vehicle accidents in Texas in 2021, with an alarming total of 30,111 crashes recorded. Pooled water and hydroplaning also posed additional risks to road safety during heavy rain conditions.

Severe wind-related crashes were also a concern in Texas, with a total of 337 cases reported in 2021. Drivers need to be especially vigilant and take extra precautions when facing severe wind conditions to avoid road accidents.

Finally, hail-related vehicle accidents were a significant issue in Texas during that year, with a total of 1,268 crashes recorded. Drivers should seek safe shelter during hailstorms and avoid driving until conditions improve to reduce the risk of vehicle damage and road accidents.

When facing adverse weather conditions, it’s crucial to take additional measures to ensure the safety of the driver and others on the road. Before embarking on a journey, it is essential to check the weather forecast to be aware of any alerts or adverse conditions that may be encountered on the way. This allows for informed decisions on whether it is appropriate to drive or, better to postpone the trip. Additionally, it’s necessary to remember that in the midst of a storm or weather event, the first thing to do is to slow down considerably to adapt more easily to the conditions. Driving slower gives more time to react to sudden dangers on the road and helps maintain vehicle control.

Tips to Prevent Road Accidents

  1. Maintain Adequate Distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This gives you more time to react to any unforeseen situation.
  2. Respect Speed Limits: Speed limits are set for safety reasons. Stay within the speed limits and adjust your speed according to weather and traffic conditions.
  3. Avoid Distractions: Always keep your attention on the road. Avoid distractions like using your phone, eating, playing loud music, or interacting with passengers while driving.
  4. Use Seat Belts: Ensure all vehicle occupants wear seat belts correctly. Seat belts provide the best protection in case of an accident.
  5. Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition: Regularly maintain your vehicle, including checking brakes, tires, lights, and fluids. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to have accidents.
  6. Obey Traffic Signs: Follow all traffic signs, including stop signs, traffic lights, speed limit signs, and warning signs. These signs are there for your safety.
  7. Drive Sober: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  8. Rest and Plan Ahead: Getting enough rest is crucial. If you’re tired, avoid driving. Fatigue can severely impair your ability to drive safely. Take regular breaks on long trips.
  9. Maintain a Proper Posture: correctly adjust your seat and mirrors for optimal visibility and comfort while driving. Proper posture can help prevent injuries in case of an accident.
  10. Stay calm and courteous: respect other drivers and pedestrians on the road. Keep your composure in heavy traffic or tense situations, and avoid aggressive driving behavior.
  11. Plan Ahead: Before starting your journey, ensure you have everything you need within reach. Adjust your GPS, select music or podcasts, and organize any necessary items to avoid fiddling with devices or searching for objects while driving.

What to Do if You Need to Send a Message or Make a Call While Driving

Driving with full attention is a fundamental responsibility for all drivers on the road. Staying focused on your driving environment is crucial, as any distraction can have devastating consequences, no matter how small. From fines to fatal accidents, the dangers associated with distracted driving are too severe to overlook.

The Texas Department of Transportation recognizes the importance of addressing this issue and offers practical tips to prevent distracted driving:

  1. Evaluate the necessity of communication: Before taking any action, consider if sending the message or making the call is really necessary at that moment. If possible, wait until you reach a safe place to communicate.
  2. Completely stop and pull over before talking or texting: If you need to make a call or send a text, stop your vehicle in a safe place like a rest area or parking lot. Do not attempt these actions while driving, as it significantly increases the risk of accidents.
  3. Store your phone, turn it off, or use blocking apps: To avoid the temptation to use your phone while driving, keep it out of reach or turn it off entirely. You can also use apps or settings on your phone that automatically block texts and calls while you’re on the move.
  4. Inform your contacts that you won’t respond while driving: Let your friends, family, and colleagues know that you won’t be available to respond to calls or texts while driving. Set clear expectations so they understand the importance of your safety and that of others on the road.

By following these tips and maintaining a firm commitment to road safety, you can help prevent distracted driving and reduce the risk of accidents. Remember, all distractions are dangerous, so keep your full attention on driving when behind the wheel.

Areas with Higher Accident Rates in Texas

In Texas, there are zones identified with significantly higher accident rates than others. Various factors, such as traffic congestion, adverse weather conditions, poor road infrastructure, or dangerous intersections, typically characterize these areas. For example, major highways like I-10 and I-45 have been identified as critical points due to their high incidence of fatal accidents.

Additionally, densely populated urban areas like Harris County tend to experience a higher number of car crashes due to the concentration of vehicles and activities on the road. These patterns highlight the importance of identifying and specifically addressing high-risk areas with tailored road safety measures.

Another area with a high rate of road accidents is West Texas, which stands out compared to the rest of the state. Approximately 15 accidents per 1,000 resulted in at least one fatality in the area known as the Permian Basin. During the same period, the state average for such accidents was 7 per 1,000.

In other words, accidents in the Permian Basin were twice as likely to be fatal compared to the rest of Texas. More than half of the incidents involved multiple vehicles, with a fatality rate in multi-vehicle collisions three times higher.

The report tracked 962 accidents in the Permian Basin that resulted in at least one fatality over five years. This equates to roughly one fatal accident every two days. Nearly half of these accidents occurred within Midland and Ector counties, the two most populous in the region. A combined total of 329,000 people live in these counties, including the cities of Midland and Odessa.

Contact Hilda Sibrian® – Accident Lawyers for Traffic Incidents

Car accident statistics show that collisions, injuries, and fatalities on the road are not a strange occurrence in Texas. When facing the challenges and devastating aftermath of a traffic accident, it is crucial to have the support of experienced professionals who can defend your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

If you suffered a traffic accident, you are not alone. Our Houston car accident attorneys are on your side. Call Hilda Sibrian® – Accident Lawyers today to schedule your free consultation and receive expert and dedicated legal assistance. Our team is here to provide personalized guidance and solid legal representation every step of the way. We work to bring peace to the families of victims.