Cars are some of the most dangerous road vehicles. In spite of modern safety features in new vehicles and driving safety regulations, car accidents are a national problem. Whether it’s a rear-end collision in traffic, running a red light at an intersection, or a head-on collision close to home, a car accident can easily be deadly. Texas is no stranger to car accidents. With approximately half a million car accidents every year and having had a reportable car accident occur every 57 seconds in 2021, it’s always a good idea to learn more about how to be safer on the road.
Causes of car accidents
In Texas, the main causes of car accidents are:
- Distracted driving: A driver texting on their cell phone is inattentive and unaware of their driving and what’s going on around them.
- Driving under the influence: Drugs or alcohol impair judgment and reaction time.
- Speeding: Even an experienced driver cannot brake or swerve quickly without a collision if they are going well over the speed limit.
- Lane deviation: With effects similar to improper lane-changing, failure to stay in one’s lane can result in a collision, especially in heavy traffic.
Car accident fatalities
Texas has the highest rate of car accident fatalities compared to any other state. Every 2 hours and 15 minutes, someone dies.
Where do most car accidents happen?
Most car accidents in Texas happen in Houston. They are most likely to happen on state highways and county roads.
Texas drivers have an obligation to drive safely, both for themselves and other motorists and pedestrians they share the road with. When a driver causes an accident due to their negligence, injured victims can seek compensation for damages.