Which County in Texas Has the Most Fatal Traffic Crashes?
The Lone Star State has a reputation as America’s vehicle accident headquarters. Since the year 2000, approximately 970,000 people have died in accidents on Texas roadways. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, ten people die from automobile crashes every day.
Although there are scores of causes for Texas crashes, speeding and DUIs are the most significant factors. Although crashes can happen at any time and in any location, there are certain counties that have a higher rate of vehicle wreck fatalities.
Counties With the Highest Number Of Traffic Accidents
Be extra cautious when you are driving in the following three counties. These are the deadliest counties for drivers in Texas.
Harris County
This highly populated region, which is also part of the Houston Metropolis, has the highest number of automobile crash fatalities. In 2016, it had 447 deaths from road accidents, and its city streets had 129 deaths. Most of these fatalities were DWI-related. In this county, driving at night is also especially dangerous.
Dallas County
Dallas County occupies a large area and is also densely populated. In 2016, it reported 101 fatal crashes in the streets of Dallas and 315 fatalities in the entire county. According to a Dallas street report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than ten in 100,000 people died in 2017.
Bexar County
Bexar County is the location of San Antonio and is on a par with Dallas and Harris County in terms of vehicle fatalities. In 2016, the Texas Department of Transportation reported 207 fatal crashes in Bexar County. Most fatalities are DWI-related, and Bexar County authorities require DWI suspects to take a blood or urine test at the police station or a breathalyzer.
Which Roadways in Texas Are the Most Dangerous?
The following three roadways have the most fatal crashes in Texas. You’ll want to be aware of your surroundings at all times and never take your eyes off the road when you’re driving here.
I-35
Interstate 35 is 400 miles long and had 590 fatalities from 2010 to 2016. It has frequent road construction, and inattentive drivers can easily cause severe accidents.
I-45
This roadway connects Galveston and Houston before extending to Dallas. It’s found in Harris County and had 115 crash fatalities in 2015.
Highway 83
This road stretches from McAllen to the Rio Grande Valley. It had 164 automobile fatalities through 2010 and 2016.
Common Causes of a Traffic Crash in Texas
Avoid making the following three driving mistakes when you’re on Texas roadways. It could save your life.
Speeding
Speeding is among the primary causes of road accidents in Texas, and it caused over 17,000 crashes in 2015. These accidents led to 398 fatalities and 3,300 severe injuries. Driving over the speed limit increases the risk of an accident, since the higher the speed, the slower the reaction time.
Drunk Driving
DWI and DUI-related car accidents were reduced by 8.23 percent between 2010 and 2018. Thirty-four percent of all fatal crashes in Texas were alcohol-related in 2010. The figure was 25.7 percent in 2018.
Drinking reduces the driver’s concentration and functionality, which is fatal when driving a vehicle. One 2014 Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility study shows that alcohol-related accidents culminated in 1,446 deaths. These fatalities represented more than 40% of all Texas traffic fatalities.
Distracted Driving
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, distracted driving in Texas was a primary cause of over 105,000 vehicle crashes in 2015. More than 2,500 of the distracted driving crashes lead to severe injuries and 422 deaths.
What You Should Do After an Accident in Texas
Are you wondering what to do after a motorcycle accident, car crash, or a wreck involving an 18-wheeler? After an accident that involves injuries or fatalities, the first thing you should do is call 911 for a medic. Report the crash to Texas police and remain within the accident’s scene until you provide all your contact information.
When waiting for law enforcement to arrive, gather details about the driver and the accident scene. Take photos, converse with witnesses, and acquire their contact details. Regardless of who is at fault, contact your insurer about the car crash and ensure you hire an attorney to defend your case.