Schuelke Law Attorneys Consider Results of Nationwide Speeding Study for Texas Drivers

Texas drivers know how quickly traffic can move on the state’s roads. Yet many Texans are used to fast driving. To them, it doesn’t feel dangerous – which means studies about speeding deaths can come as a surprise. 

Many Texas personal injury lawyers took note when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its most recent data on deaths that occur on US roads. 

According to data from NHTSA, Texas ranks 10th in the US for the highest rate of speeding-related crash deaths. Crashes are “speeding-related” when they involve a driver going faster than the posted speed limit, driving too fast for conditions, or racing on public roads. 

To gather this data, NHTSA maintains its Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). FARS collects data on road crashes, including causes that lead to a collision or accident. The system makes this data publicly available online to anyone seeking insight into why crashes occur and how to prevent them. 

Texas ranks 10th in crash deaths from speeding overall. Yet speeding is a factor in more Texas crash deaths than in deaths from other states. FARS data indicates that in 2021, 21 percent of all fatal crashes in Texas involved speeding – a rate higher than the national average. In total, 857 people died in Texas in 2021 from a speeding-related crash. 

Other states that ranked highly for speeding-related deaths included Wyoming, Utah, and Virginia. The state with the lowest rate of speeding-related traffic deaths was Iowa, where just 4 percent of fatal crashes in 2021 involved speeding. 

Currently, speeding is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas. It carries a maximum fine of $500. This penalty, however, may not be enough to deter Texas drivers from speeding in ways that can lead to fatal accidents. 

Experienced personal injury lawyers have seen the devastating effects of speeding-related crashes on Texas motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and families. They recommend that all drivers travel at speeds that allow them to keep control of their vehicle, spot hazards well in advance, and stay at or below posted speed limits.