Texas, known for its vast interstate and U.S. highways and heavy traffic around its major cities, continues to report alarming car crash statistics. As the number of car accidents continues to increase each year, it’s important to understand the predominant causes behind these incidents.

1. Speeding: A Persistent Threat

Speeding remains a leading cause of fatal accidents in Texas. In 2021, drivers in the state experienced 1,568 speeding-related accidents, accounting for 35% of all fatal collisions. Despite the overall rise in car crash fatalities, the proportion of speeding-related crashes has seen a slight decrease, indicating a possible shift in driving behaviors.

2. Distracted Driving: Decreasing but Still Deadly

While there has been a 17% decrease in deaths from accidents involving distracted driving, this factor was responsible for 433 fatalities in 2021 in Texas. The reduction of such incidents is a positive sign, but the numbers still highlight the need for continued awareness and preventive measures against distracted driving.

3. Driving Under the Influence: A Major Concern

Alcohol- and drug-impaired driving is a significant issue in Texas. In 2021, DUI drivers caused 24% of the total number of crashes, resulting in 1,077 fatalities. Most DUI crashes occurred during early morning hours, particularly on Saturdays, underscoring the need for more stringent enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

4. Motorcycle Safety: A Critical Aspect

Motorcycle safety is a growing concern, with more than 520 motorcyclists killed in 2021 in Texas. Alarmingly, 45% of the riders killed in motorcycle accidents were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. This statistic underscores the importance of helmet use and safe riding practices among motorcyclists.

5. Seatbelt Use: A Lifesaving Measure

The use of seatbelts continues to play a critical role in reducing fatalities. In 2021, there were 1,236 fatalities in Texas among those not wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision. The likelihood of surviving a crash significantly increases with seatbelt use.

Dallas Metroplex: A Critical Area for Traffic Safety

The Dallas Metroplex, with its dense population and extensive road networks, is a significant area of concern for traffic safety in Texas. Much like Houston, which stands out with the highest number of car crashes, fatalities, and serious injury crashes in Texas with over 75,000 accidents in 2022 alone, Dallas also experiences a high volume of traffic incidents given its size and traffic density. Common contributing factors to these accidents include reckless driving, particularly speeding, which is similar to trends observed in Houston. Emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices and adherence to traffic laws in the Dallas Metroplex is crucial to reducing the number of accidents and fatalities in this densely populated area.

The Bigger Traffic Safety Picture

Texas reported more than 634,000 car crashes in 2022, equating to one crash every 57 seconds. With the state recording the highest number of fatal car accidents in the country, it’s evident that more stringent measures and public awareness are needed to curb these numbers.

RTRLAW’s Role in Traffic Safety

At RTRLAW, we understand the devastating impact of car crashes. Our experienced accident attorneys are committed to helping victims navigate the legal complexities of car accidents. If you’ve been involved in a crash due to any of these causes, contact us for expert legal assistance and representation.