One of the riskiest behaviors that anyone can take is their daily drive. Every time you get behind the wheel, it could be your last moments alive. Grim statistics from the Texas car crashes reported by state agencies reveal just how often people die in car accidents in the state. Grim data highlights how dangerous impaired driving can be—if you need a drink driving attorney, it’s important to find someone with the experience to handle your case effectively. The right legal support can help you protect your rights and work toward a more favorable outcome.
Here is a deeper look at the statistics as per the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for 2023.
Unraveling Texas Car Accident Fatality Statistics
Texas had a fatality rate of 1.45 deaths per hundred million vehicle miles traveled. In total, that was 4,283 deaths in motor vehicle accidents. Rural areas are of the greatest concern as these crashes accounted for 52.84% of all fatalities in the state with 2,263 deaths.
There were 1,368 fatalities for single-vehicle crashes involving vehicles that ran off the road while 1,120 people were killed in crashes at intersections. Head-on crashes took the lives of 635 people.
Texas reports that every day on the roads, someone dies. The statistics noted that September 9, 2023, marked the deadliest day with 25 fatalities due to traffic accidents. With data from reportable crashes in 2023, it found that one person was killed every two hours and three minutes.
An alarming 48.89% of those killed in car accidents were not wearing their safety belts while 1,090 people died as a result of an accident caused by a drunk driver. Distracted driving took the lives of 403 people. These alarming facts are a sobering reminder of everyone’s duty to drive safely while on the roads.
What You Can Do to Prevent Car Accident Fatalities
While you can’t control other people, the actions you take when you get behind the wheel can protect you from becoming a statistic. Follow these tips to avoid serious injury or death while driving in Texas:
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Not wearing a seatbelt caused over 48% of car accident victims in 2023 to lose their lives. If they’d been wearing their seatbelt, they may still be here and their loved ones might not be suffering an immeasurable loss. Buckle up in the front seat and the back seat, and make sure that if you have children, their child seat is installed and buckled correctly.
Obey the Speed Limit
The faster you’re going, the harder it is to stop for changes in road conditions. Some Texas roads have a speed limit set at 85, though if the conditions on the road have heavy traffic or inclement weather, take it down a notch and be more cautious.
Keep Enough Distance
Leaving enough room between you and the car in front of you can prevent a serious crash. If they slam on their brakes, you’ll be able to stop safely and avoid a collision.
Pay Attention
Distracted drivers killed 403 people in 2023, something that could have easily been prevented if they’d been paying attention. While there is much focus on texting and driving, and that certainly is a huge distraction, it isn’t the only behavior that causes a driver not to pay attention.
Your eyes should always be focused on the road and your surroundings, your hands should be on the steering wheel, and your mind should be actively involved in the task of driving. Actions such as eating, drinking, changing the music on your stereo, talking to passengers, pulling up directions on GPS, trying to grab something from the backseat, or daydreaming should be avoided at all costs.
Stay Sober Behind the Wheel
If you’re going out for drinks or you take prescriptions that inhibit your abilities, never get in the driver’s seat. Have a sober friend or family member drive you, or call a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft to get you home safely.
Adjust Your Driving to the Weather
Whether the weather is rainy, foggy, icy, or snowy, take extra precautions on the road. Even if you’re going the posted speed limit during foul weather, it may still be too fast for the conditions. Allow extra time to get to your destination when you know the weather will be bad to avoid rushing.
Follow All Traffic Laws
You might know to stop at stop signs and how to follow the rules at traffic signals. However, many drivers change lanes, merge, or make turns without signaling. Communicate your intentions clearly before making a move, and it could just save your life.
Take an Extra Second
If you’re the first vehicle in the lane at an intersection, don’t just stomp on the gas to accelerate ahead when the light turns green. Take a few seconds to quickly scan in both directions to make sure oncoming lanes of traffic have come to a stop. In the event someone runs the red light, you will avoid a tragic accident.
Expect the Unexpected
Defensive driving is all about expecting the unexpected and anticipating potential hazards. Being prepared for anything will keep you from feeling caught off guard while also keeping you safe.
Keep Your Vehicle Maintained
An often overlooked reason accidents occur is when drivers fail to maintain their vehicles. Make sure you get your brakes and tires inspected when you have your oil changed. Additionally, be sure that your headlights, taillights, and brake lights are all in working order.
Know What to Do in the Event You’re in a Car Accident
In the unfortunate event that you do wind up in a car accident, you should know what to do in those first few moments afterward. Your safety and well-being are the most important things, and you should get out of harm’s way.
Call the police to report your crash, and do not refuse medical treatment. The adrenaline surge you feel from the collision could be masking symptoms of serious conditions. Left untreated, these could become life-threatening and make you a part of the car accident fatality statistics in Texas. If you are hurt, you should discuss the next steps with a car accident attorney who can guide you through your legal options.