Schuelke Law Comments on Why Texas Car Accidents Are So Common

Not a day goes by without car accidents happening in the nation, Texas, and in Austin. This is not surprising as Texas has a population of at least 29.53 million, and Austin had a population of 964,177 in 2021. 

Additionally, Texas has one of the highest rates of crashes across the nation – with the Lone Star State leading in car crash fatalities caused by impaired or negligent driving. According to a report from Forbes Advisor, Texas is the most dangerous state for negligent driving, where impaired drivers cause 91 percent of fatal accidents.

And the figures keep climbing as evidenced by the most recent number of people in Texas as being 30 million. Texans are the most confrontational drivers in the USA, contributing to why traffic deaths increased in Texas by 16 percent. In 2021, Texas bore witness to 4,480 traffic fatalities in 2021, topping the list. Here are some of the top causes of accidents in Texas.

Most Common Causes of Car Crashes in Texas

Some of the more common causes of traffic accidents resulting in death in Texas include:

• Exceeding the posted speed limit – For example, in 2020 speeding was the leading cause of car fatal car accidents to the tune of 140,958 wrecks. Approximately 1,272 crashes involved deaths, and 49,890 ended with serious injuries.
• Driving while distracted – This can involve smoking, eating, texting, etc.
• Driving while drowsy – Falling asleep behind the wheel can have serious and deadly consequences.
• Changing lanes without warning – Drivers do not carefully check before they change lanes or use passing lanes in an unsafe manner.
• DWI/DUI – Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs typically results in deadly accidents.
• Road rage – Driving aggressively, cutting other vehicles off, or blocking a passing car can result in a deadly crash.
• Tailgating – Driving too close to another vehicle while on the highway at high speeds can result in a rear-end collision.
• Vehicle malfunction – A vehicle may careen out of control due to a defect such as inadequate tires or another defective part.
• Weather – Not driving according to the weather can also lead to deadly accidents. Snow, rain, sleet, hail, dust storms, and other flying debris can impair vision.
• Hazardous roads – Roads under construction, or those that should be repaired but are not, can cause car wrecks.

“Being involved in a car wreck is a stressful and often a life-altering event,” stated Austin car accident attorney Brooks Schuelke, who has decades of experience helping injured drivers and passengers file claims to seek compensation for damages in the wake of a crash. “In the event of a death in a car accident, we can assist you in filing a wrongful death lawsuit as well.”