According to Outdoorsy, an RV rental business, Dallas is the most dangerous city for driving. This may not come as a surprise to most Texans, but the Dallas fatality rate from car accidents is roughly 14 out of 100,000 each year. This rate is 46% more than the national average.
Why is Dallas so dangerous for drivers?
It is unclear exactly why car accidents are more prevalent in Dallas than elsewhere in the nation, but increasing awareness of safe driving habits is key. Safe driving includes avoiding distracted driving, avoiding drinking alcohol and driving and generally following driving laws like speed limits and signage.
Avoiding car accidents
Avoiding motor vehicle accidents may not always be as simple as following all the rules. Oftentimes, accidents are the result of others’ bad driving behaviors and choices, so drivers must be vigilant and aware of everyone they share the road with. This can include pedestrians, cyclists, scooters and large trucks. City streets, not freeways, are cited as the most dangerous in the metropolitan area.
Some cities have taken steps to raise awareness of traffic safety, and this includes Dallas’ Vision Zero plan. This plan, anticipated to be in effect by 2030, will focus on issues including:
- Lowering speed limits
- Narrowing streets and making sidewalks larger
- Adding crosswalks to major intersections
- Adding public awareness campaigns
- Adding bike lanes
Studies have shown that the majority of fatal accidents happen after dark and are, in large part, due to alcohol consumption and speeding. Other contributing factors include motorists driving in more than one lane, drivers failing to yield when turning left and pedestrians not yielding to vehicles.
Unfortunately, these pedestrians do not have much choice in a city where sidewalks are seriously lacking in availability. It is hoped that the new initiatives will increase safety and reduce motor vehicle accidents.