Texas Among Most Dangerous States for Drivers

As anyone who’s driven on Texas highways can attest, our roads can be very dangerous. Between congestion, high speeds, distracted driving, and reckless behavior, traveling throughout the state is often a stress-inducing experience.

If you feel intimidated, unsafe, or anxious while driving in Texas, you aren’t alone. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 250,335 people suffered injuries in Texas car accidents in a recent year, and 4,283 died. A recent study of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data by Forbes Advisor ranks Texas as the nation’s third most dangerous state for drivers, and it’s not hard to understand why.

Texas Car and Truck Accident Statistics

Texas is among the ten most dangerous states for drivers in a number of categories. According to the NHTSA data that informed the Forbes Advisor study, Texas ranks:

• Second for fatal collisions involving drunk drivers
• Fourth in fatal accidents involving drowsy or fatigued drivers
• Sixth in fatal accidents involving speeding-related behaviors
• Tenth in fatal accidents caused by drivers failing to obey traffic signage
• Tenth in fatal accidents resulting from driver distraction

While Texas has high numbers of fatalities in traffic accidents – and 2023 saw zero days without a traffic fatality statewide – an even greater number of serious accidents in the state result in severe injuries. The Texas Department of Transportation counted 18,752 serious injuries in traffic collisions in a recent year, leaving victims to face significant physical harm, high medical expenses, and financial strain.

Additionally, according to the National Safety Council, Texas led the nation in deaths caused by large truck crashes in a recent year, with 810. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of large trucks on Texas roads, including the state’s large size, high population, and the number of large metropolitan areas. Furthermore, with its multiple ports, Texas sees a high volume of shipping and other transportation activity as goods travel into and out of the state, contributing to the large volume of commercial trucks. 

Common Car Accidents That Occur in Texas

Although the causes and severity of Texas car accidents can vary, there are several common types of car accidents that occur on the state’s roadways, including:

• Rear-End Collisions – These crashes occur when one vehicle slams into the back of another. Common causes include distracted driving, tailgating, sudden stops, and poor weather conditions.
• Side-Impact Collisions – Also known as T-bone accidents, these occur when one vehicle collides with the side of another. They commonly happen at intersections where a driver fails to yield the right-of-way or runs a red light.
• Intersection Accidents – Collisions at intersections often result from running red lights or stop signs, misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic, and making improper turns.
• Head-On Collisions – These accidents happen when two vehicles collide front-to-front. They are often the result of wrong-way driving, distracted driving, or driver impairment. These types of accidents often cause fatalities.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents – Single-vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle and can be caused by driver error, swerving to avoid an obstacle or animal, or losing control of the vehicle due to high speed or failure to navigate a curve.
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups – These involve several vehicles and usually occur on highways and freeways. They are most often triggered by sudden stops, poor visibility, or chain reactions from an initial collision.
• Rollover Accidents – These accidents occur when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof. They are more common with high-center-of-gravity vehicles like SUVs and trucks and are often caused by sharp turns, high speeds, or side-impact collisions.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents – A hit-and-run occurs when one driver hits another and leaves the scene without providing contact information or aiding the injured.
• Large Truck Accidents – Large commercial trucks are common on Texas highways and interstates. Distracted, fatigued, and inexperienced drivers can cause significant truck accidents.

Common Causes of Texas Car Accidents

There is a distinct pattern that contributes to the high number of Texas car and truck accidents, and that is driver error. Drivers who fail to remain aware of their surroundings endanger the lives of everyone they share the road with. Common factors that tend to contribute to Texas car accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Aggressive driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failure to yield
• Failure to follow traffic laws
• Improper turns

Other causes of car and truck accidents come down to inexperienced driving, poor weather conditions, and mechanical failures. Mechanical defects and cargo loading errors are also common in commercial truck accidents.

No matter the cause, if someone else’s careless actions lead to a significant accident, you need the help only a seasoned personal injury attorney can provide. Vehicle accidents can be highly complicated. Recovering maximum compensation for your financial losses takes time and legal intervention. Getting an attorney on your side as soon as possible can make all the difference.

Preventing Texas Car Accidents

Given the dangers associated with driving on Texas roads, drivers must do everything possible to prevent accidents. Some proactive steps you can take to lower your risk of causing or being involved in a collision include:

• Remain alert and avoid distractions, such as using a phone
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to road and weather conditions
• Maintain a safe following distance to allow sufficient time for reaction
• Use turn signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers
• Regularly check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or merging
• Keep your vehicle well-maintained, especially the brakes, lights, and tires
• Remain calm and patient, especially in heavy traffic or adverse conditions

How a San Antonio Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You

For over 70 years, Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney has been on a mission to help injured individuals across San Antonio recover the compensation they deserve. Our team has an extensive track record of recovering significant settlements and verdicts for the people we represent. We’re proud to offer personalized and effective legal advice to each client.

Has a careless driver injured you or someone you love? Now is the time to discuss your situation with an experienced San Antonio personal injury attorney. Contact the office of Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney today to request a confidential legal consultation.

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• Accidents on I-10 in San Antonio
• Accidents on I-37 in San Antonio
• What Is Accident Reconstruction?
• How to Prepare for a Car Accident Lawsuit