how-many-people-die-in-fatal-car-accidents-in-texas?

How Many People Die in Fatal Car Accidents in Texas?

In Texas, the sobering reality of traffic safety is that a fatal car accident occurs approximately every 2 hours and 15 minutes. We have previously discussed the number of car accidents in Texas in general. In this article, we explore the frequency of fatal car accidents in Texas

The Grim Frequency of Texas Traffic Fatalities

In 2022, Texas reported 3,520 fatal crashes, resulting in 3,874 fatalities. To break this down:

  • On average, over 10 people died each day in car accidents in Texas.
  • There was nearly one death every 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • A reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds.

These numbers paint a stark picture of the risks on Texas roads. To put it in perspective, in the time it takes to watch a typical movie, another life is likely to be lost in a Texas traffic accident.

Five-Year View of Car Accident Fatalities

To understand if this frequency is improving or worsening, let’s look at the data from 2018 to 2022:

  • 2018: 3,305 fatal crashes (1 every 2 hours 39 minutes)
  • 2019: 3,340 fatal crashes (1 every 2 hours 37 minutes)
  • 2020: 3,520 fatal crashes (1 every 2 hours 29 minutes)
  • 2021: 4,031 fatal crashes (1 every 2 hours 10 minutes)
  • 2022: 3,520 fatal crashes (1 every 2 hours 29 minutes)

Car Accident Fatalities in Texas

This data reveals a concerning trend. Despite fluctuations, the frequency of fatal accidents has generally increased over the past five years, with a peak in 2021 during the pandemic.

Texas vs. National Statistics

To contextualize Texas’s situation, let’s compare it to national figures:

  • In 2022, Texas accounted for about 9.1% of all traffic fatalities in the United States, despite making up only 8.8% of the U.S. population.
  • The fatality rate on Texas roadways was 1.44 deaths per hundred million vehicle miles traveled in 2022, higher than the national average of 1.35.
  • While nationally about 0.63% of reported crashes were fatal in 2022, in Texas, this figure was slightly higher at 0.64%.

These comparisons underscore that Texas faces a disproportionate challenge with traffic fatalities compared to the nation as a whole.

Where are fatal accidents taking place in Texas?

Most fatal accidents take place on state and national highways in Texas. This is followed by interestate highways and farm-to-market roads.

In contrast, City Streets and County roads exhibit moderate fatality rates, indicating a lower but still significant number of accidents. Tollways consistently report the lowest fatalities, suggesting these routes are relatively safer, despite higher speeds.

where are accidents taking place in texas

US Highways are part of a network of national highways using the “U.S.” route designator. They generally connect major cities and can run in a state or through multiple states. These highways go directly through towns. You’ll typically see a national highway marker with a white shield on a black sign.

An interstate highway often has more lanes, higher speeds, and fewer exits, and those exits are to off-ramps rather than intersecting roadways. Interstate highway signs are typically a blue shield with a red top and the interstate number at the center. Even-numbered interstates run west to east, and odd-numbered interstates run north to south.

US Highways (Highest Incidence of Fatalities)

  • Purpose: Connect cities and towns, serving as a secondary network to the Interstate System.
  • Design: May have traffic signals, intersections, and direct property access.
  • Examples: US-59, US-290.

Interstate Highways 

  • Purpose: Designed for high-speed, long-distance travel across multiple states.
  • Design: Limited-access roads with multiple lanes and no direct property access.
  • Examples: I-35, I-10, I-45.

State Highways

  • Purpose: Serve intrastate travel, connecting smaller towns and cities within a state.
  • Design: Vary from two-lane roads to multi-lane highways, often with direct access.
  • Examples: TX-6, TX-71.

Factors Contributing to Texas’s High Fatality Rate

Several elements may contribute to the frequent occurrence of fatal accidents in Texas:

  • Vast Rural Road Network: Rural roads often have higher speed limits and fewer safety features, increasing the risk of fatal crashes. These roads may lack adequate lighting, guardrails, and signage, making them more dangerous, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
  • Higher Speed Limits: Some Texas highways have speed limits up to 85 mph, the highest in the nation. Higher speed limits can lead to more severe accidents because the impact force increases with speed. This also leaves less time for drivers to react to unexpected situations.
  • Lower Seat Belt Usage: In some areas of Texas, seat belt use is below the national average. Seat belts are one of the most effective ways to prevent fatalities in a crash. Lower usage rates mean more drivers and passengers are at risk of being seriously injured or killed in an accident.
  • Drunk Driving: Texas consistently ranks high in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. Drunk driving significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, leading to a higher likelihood of crashes. Texas’s large number of alcohol-related crashes contributes significantly to its fatality rate.
  • Distracted Driving: With the prevalence of mobile devices, distracted driving remains a significant issue. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car technologies divert attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Texas has implemented laws to curb distracted driving, but it remains a prevalent problem.

These factors combine to create a challenging environment for traffic safety in Texas, necessitating continued efforts to improve road conditions, enforce traffic laws, and promote safe driving behaviors.

Efforts to Reduce Fatal Accidents

Given the frequency of fatal accidents, Texas has implemented various initiatives:

  • End the Streak” Campaign: This initiative aims to raise awareness about daily traffic deaths in Texas. The campaign encourages drivers to commit to safe driving practices to end the streak of daily fatalities on Texas roads.
  • Enhanced Enforcement: Increased policing efforts target speed limit violations and seat belt non-compliance. By focusing on these high-risk behaviors, law enforcement agencies aim to reduce the number of fatal accidents.
  • Infrastructure Improvements: Texas has been focusing on improving road conditions, especially in high-risk rural areas. This includes adding safety features like better lighting, guardrails, and rumble strips to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
  • Education Programs: Targeting young drivers, these programs promote safe driving habits through school-based initiatives and public awareness campaigns. These programs often include simulated driving experiences and the consequences of unsafe driving.
  • Technology Integration: The state is also integrating advanced vehicle safety technologies, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings, to reduce the occurrence of accidents.

What Should You Do if You Lose Someone in a Car Accident?

As a resident of Texas or someone affected by a car accident, losing a loved one in such a tragic event can be devastating. In these situations, you may have the option to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for your loss.

wrongful death car accident claims

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought against a person or entity whose negligence or wrongful act caused the death of another person. In the context of car accidents, this could involve reckless driving, driving under the influence, or other negligent behaviors.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Texas, specific family members are entitled to file a wrongful death claim. These include:

  • The spouse of the deceased
  • The children of the deceased (including adopted children)
  • The parents of the deceased

If none of these relatives file a claim within three months of the death, the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate may file, unless all of the eligible family members request that no wrongful death claim be brought.

Compensation in Wrongful Death Claims

Compensation in a wrongful death claim can cover a variety of damages, including:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses incurred prior to death
  • Loss of the deceased’s income and potential future earnings
  • Loss of companionship, care, and support
  • Mental anguish and emotional suffering

Tough cases call for the toughest lawyers.

Legal Support

Navigating a wrongful death claim can be complex, and it’s essential to have legal support to guide you through the process. At Varghese Summersett, we understand the profound impact of losing a loved one and are committed to helping families seek the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, understanding your rights and the process of filing a wrongful death claim is crucial. This legal avenue allows you to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure financial support to help you through this difficult time. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can provide clarity and support as you navigate this challenging period.