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In 2023, the Texas Department of Transportation reported that the fatality rate on Texas roadways was 1.45 deaths per hundred million vehicle miles traveled. Thankfully, this is a 4.1% decrease from the previous year. The death toll equaled around 4,283.
Part of this decrease has resulted from efforts to empower drivers to make better decisions while on the road by bringing to the forefront the common causes of car accidents. Programs and educational campaigns, such as the Texas Department of Transportation’s Talk. Text. Crash and Make Roads Safe have made huge impacts by spreading awareness of these causes and how drivers can keep themselves and others safe on the road.
In keeping up with this trend, the dedicated car accident attorneys at the Hernandez Law Group, P.C. have also made it our mission to continue to spread this awareness. We hope that educating drivers on what behaviors increase their risk of an accident while behind the wheel, will lead to better decision-making and safer roads for everyone. Here is what you need to know about the common causes of car accidents in 2024 and tips on keeping you and your family safe.
Introduction to Car Accident Risks
It is no secret that most car accidents are caused due to driver error or poor decision-making. Distracted driving, choosing to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or even the occasional road rage can lead to disaster on the road. The accidents that often stem from these poor choices often result in serious or life-threatening injuries to drivers and their passengers, as well as significant and sometimes irreparable damage to the vehicles involved.
Based on reportable crashes from the latest statistics in 2023, on average, in Texas, the following occurred:
- 1 person was killed every 2 hours and 3 minutes
- 1 person was injured every 2 minutes and 6 seconds
- 1 reportable crash occurred every 58 seconds
Most of these reportable accidents were caused due to negligence by one of the drivers involved in the crash. To reduce this risk, drivers should make sure they are aware of what behaviors increase their risk of an accident and take the proper steps to reduce that risk.
Major Causes of Car Accidents in 2024
Here are the most recent reports from the Texas Department of Transportation about the most common causes of car accidents in 2023. These statistics can give us insight as to the likelihood of this trend continuing into 2024 if action is not taken by drivers.
Speeding: Statistics and Risk Factors
Speeding is one of the biggest contributing factors to a car accident across the state of Texas. Whether this is due to drivers being late to an appointment or simply because they are desperate to get home or to their destination, speeding led to the death of 180 drivers in 2023. It also claimed the lives of 52 passengers and 21 pedestrians.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a survey in 2022 across the United States to get an inside look into why some drivers feel the need to speed on the road. These were the answers that were given:
- Traffic: Traffic congestion is one of the contributing factors in an individual’s choice to speed on the road. Drivers would get anxious or agitated, either because they were running behind or because they noticed other drivers changing lanes frequently or impeding their progress. Drivers would often choose to speed around these obstacles but would either lose control of the car or fail to notice that traffic up ahead was slowing down, leading to an accident.
- Running Late: Other drivers reported that they chose to speed because their schedules were so full and they were “running” behind. This was often for important appointments/destinations such as taking their kids to school, work, a meeting, or a doctor’s appointment.
- Anonymity: Some drivers reported that because they are in their separate vehicles, they developed a sense of detachment from their surroundings and other drivers. They became lost in their world or they felt less constrained in their behavior. This caused them to speed, putting their interests above the safety of other drivers on the road.
- Disregard for Others or the Law: A handful of drivers reported that they have episodes of aggressive driving, especially when they are agitated or upset about something else that occurred in their day. Because of this, they often lose sight of how their actions could potentially harm other drivers on the road or that their actions, such as speeding, are illegal.
The Consequences of Speeding
Unfortunately, while the answers to the survey questions were honest from drivers, speeding remains a serious issue. The consequences of these actions are even worse. Drivers who speed will find that they are at a greater risk of:
- Losing control of their vehicle
- The safety features on their car, such as seatbelts or safety cameras become less effective
- Increased stopping distance when the driver notices changes in traffic speed or danger on the road
- Increased degree of crash severity, leading to a greater likelihood of serious injuries or death
- Heightened risk of getting a ticket or having higher damages to their car when involved in an accident
- Increased fuel consumption which drives up the cost of operating their vehicle
What Steps Can Be Taken to Prevent Speeding Accidents?
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely avoid speeding accidents as the only person and vehicle one can control on the road is themselves. However, there are some ways that drivers can better handle when someone who is speeding is approaching them.
- If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over and let them by
- Give speeding drivers plenty of space as they may lose control of their vehicle more easily, especially in inclement weather
- Adjust your driving to protect yourself. If you notice someone is tailgating you or trying to engage you in risky behavior, use good judgment to get your vehicle out of their way
- Contact the authorities immediately if you believe that a driver is following you or harassing you
Distracted Driving: Understanding the Risks
In the state of Texas in 2023, there were 403 people killed in accidents involving distracted driving. While this is a decrease since 2022 by 17.25%, it is still a high number of fatalities. Distracted driving is often broken down into three separate categories:
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: Removing your hands from the steering wheel
- Cognitive: allowing your mind to wander from driving
The most common cause of distracted driving is cell phone usage with eating while driving in at a close second.
What Are the Consequences of a Distracted Driving Accident?
Both the driver responsible for the distracted driving accident and the other drivers/passengers involved can expect to face the following effects of distracted driving.
- Damages to cars: the extent of damage depends on the speed, direction, and force that went into the crash. However, no matter how minor the damage, the car’s value will depreciate after an accident.
- Injuries: Serious injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries can be a result of distracted driving accidents.
- Financial Strain: Damages to the vehicle, the cost of medical expenses, and lost time at work can lead to families and the injured party feeling a huge financial pinch after a distracted driving accident.
How Can I Avoid Distracted Driving Accidents?
While you cannot control other drivers on the road, there are steps you can take to reduce your own risk of getting involved in a distracted driving accident.
- Turn off your phone or connect it to a hands-free device, such as Apple Carplay.
- If you are drowsy, pull off the road into a safe area, such as a rest stop
- Limit the number of passengers in your vehicle if possible as well as the level of activity in your car
- Avoid eating or drinking beverages while driving
Aggressive Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.
Behaviors that are included in aggressive driving are as follows:
- Driving at excessive speeds
- Following too closely
- Weaving through traffic
- Running traffic lights and stop signs
- Yelling or gesturing to other drivers while on the road in an offensive manner meant to provoke confrontation
- Driving illegally on the shoulder or sidewalk
- Failing to use a turn signal when changing lanes or turning
- Physical assault
- Murder or vehicle manslaughter
Why Do People Aggressively Drive?
The American Psychological Association held a study in the hope of finding ways to decrease the chances that a driver experiences road rage or the desire to engage in aggressive driving behaviors. This study found the following:
- Young males are more likely to engage in road rage
- Crowded roads often boost anger behind the wheel
- Individuals who are suffering from displaced anger or are in high-stress life situations, such as undergoing a divorce, are more likely to experience road rage
- People who repeatedly engage in road rage are more likely to misuse alcohol or drugs
How Can I Keep Myself and My Passengers Safe From an Aggressive Driver?
If you find yourself on the receiving end of someone’s anger while driving on the road, the most important thing you can do is to remain calm. Getting angry and engaging in similar behaviors will significantly increase the chances of you winding up in a serious accident. Here are some steps you can take:
- Refuse to engage with the individual
- Do your best to stay out of their way
- Do not challenge the aggressive driver
- Make sure you and everyone in your vehicle are wearing their seatbelt
- Do not make eye contact with them
- Ignore them
- If you feel that the aggressive driver is pursuing you, contact the police immediately
Driving Under the Influence: Drugs or Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol slow people’s reflexes and hinder their ability to make rational judgments. Driving while under the influence doubles the chances of a person getting into an accident. The penalties for a DUI are hefty fines and the possibility of jail time if the person is convicted.
In 2023, there were a total of 18,001 accidents in Texas caused by individuals being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Out of these accidents, there were a total of;
- 843 fatal crashes
- 1,233 serious injury accidents
- 3,300 minor injury accidents
How Can I Protect Myself From Drunk Driving Accidents?
Unfortunately, as mentioned several times throughout this article, there is no way to eliminate the risk of a drunk driving accident. While you can choose to be safe and not drink and get behind the wheel of a car, other drivers may not be making the same choice. The best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones is to make sure everyone is following these safety tips while on the road:
- Always make sure you are wearing your seatbelt
- Maintain a generous following distance if a driver seems to be weaving or driving erratically
- Use extra caution at intersections
- Avoid driving late at night
- Make plans to return early from holiday events, as later times increase the chances of encountering drunk drivers on the road
- If you are going to a party, be a designated driver or take an Uber if you are going to drink
Environmental and Weather-Related Causes
Bad weather such as snow and rain increases the likelihood of getting into an accident. Sudden braking can cause someone to lose control of their vehicle, leading to a tailspin or hydroplaning. This often results in the driver crashing into another vehicle and leading to serious injuries.
The Texas Department of Insurance reports that 600,000 car accidents are reported every year due to inclement weather. Whether this is caused by snow, rain, or fog, inclement weather can turn any drive, no matter how many times you have taken that route, into a nightmare. Knowing how to handle yourself and your vehicle during inclement weather can decrease your risk of an accident. Here are some tips from your trusted experts at the Hernandez Law Group, P.C.:
- Turn on your headlights
- Try to stay in the middle lanes
- Avoid puddles if possible
- Keep plenty of distance between you and large trucks or buses, as they have a shorter stopping distance and can cause large water sprays
- If you see standing water on the road, turn around
- In fog, use low-beam headlights
- If the weather conditions are to the point where you are having trouble seeing the car in front of you, turn on your emergency flashers
- Use the right edge of the road as a guide during heavy fog conditions
- Do not attempt to change lanes during heavy fog conditions unless it is necessary
- If you feel unsafe at any point, find a safe place to pull over and wait for the inclement weather to pass
- During wintery weather, take extra caution on bridges and overpasses
- Beware of black ice
- If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow or ice stay in the car, call emergency services, and put your hazards on
- Always make sure you have an emergency kit on hand. This kit should include:
- First aid kit
- Blanket
- Flashlight
- Extra chargers/battery pack for your cell phone
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you or a loved one was involved in an accident, you will want to take the following steps:
- Move your car (if you can do so safely)
- Check on the other driver and passengers
- Call the police and emergency medical services for those who need it
- Gather information about the accident
- Name of the drivers involved and their passengers
- Makes and models of the vehicles
- Witness statements
- Contact information of the witnesses
- Location of the accident
- Take pictures of the accident scene and any injuries
- Call a Dallas Car Accident Attorney
- Visit a Medical Professional to get checked over for any hidden injuries
Your Trusted Car Accident Attorneys
Understanding the common causes of car accidents and how to avoid them is just one of the many steps that you can take to avoid an accident while navigating the Dallas and greater Texas roadways. However, it is also important to note that the risk will never be zero. Human error and negligence can quickly turn a nice drive into a living nightmare. If you or a loved one were the victim of an accident, there is hope.
The Hernandez Law Group, P.C. has helped countless car accident victims get the compensation they deserve to cover damages and medical expenses. We’ll help you gather evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and litigate your case to ensure that you are getting the justice you deserve. Our lawyers are led by Juan Hernandez, who is one of the 2% of Texas attorneys who is Texas board-certified in personal injury law. Contact our team today for more information on our services or to schedule a free no-obligation consultation to go over the facts of your case.