The rate of car accidents in Texas and across the United States increased in 2021, reflecting a concerning rise compared to the previous year. Here is what you should know about the increase in car accidents statewide throughout the year.
Average of 11 traffic deaths per day recorded in Texas
Texas averaged 11 traffic deaths every day in 2021 so far, and that number might uptick if there is a big storm before the end of the year. The communications officer for the Texas Department of Transportation declared, “We have a real crisis in our state.”
Car accidents are up nationwide
Texas is by no means an exception when it comes to the precipitous rise in car accidents; the trend has occurred nationwide. In fact, the United States saw more than an 18% rise in traffic fatalities in the first six months of the year, which was a record-breaking increase. That means there are almost one-fifth more traffic deaths recorded for the part of 2021 ending in June than there were in the year prior. Along with more traffic fatalities, the increase has also resulted in more personal injury to passengers and drivers.
Why are traffic fatalities increasing?
There are likely multiple reasons for the increase in traffic fatalities, but two of the biggest are the increase in vehicle miles in total as well as more reckless habits on the roadways such as not wearing seat belts and speeding. The reasons for these increases in reckless behaviors are not as clear.
Safe driving requires that drivers obey all traffic signals, wear their seat belts, and refrain from texting or talking on the phone without a hands-free device. Failure to abide by these basic precautions could seriously injure or even kill other travelers on the road.