Among some of the most common causes of serious car accidents in Texas include driving under the influence, speeding and distracted driving. Each year, vehicle crashes and other motor vehicle accidents harm hundreds of thousands of people in Texas. A reported crash occurred somewhere in the state once every 61 seconds in 2015 according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Tragically, a large proportion of these accidents may involve dangerous and completely unnecessary driver behaviors as indicated in local crash data. Today, we at Citywide Towing Service would like to elaborate on the common causes of accidents in Texas.
How Many Car Accidents are Caused by Driving Under the Influence?
In Texas, drunk driving has represented a top cause of serious accidents for years. In 2014, alcohol-related accidents claimed 1,446 lives, according to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. Within the state, these deaths represented over 40% of all traffic fatalities. Compared to the national rate of drunk driving fatalities to overall deaths, which was 30.3% in 2014, this is much higher. Texas passed a law in 2015 that requires all convicted DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices, which Mothers Against Drunk Driving shared. This significantly reduced recidivism and associated accidents. Unfortunately, it may not address the threat posed of those that who have never been caught, such as first-time offenders and habitual drunk drivers.
How Does Speed Affect Car Accidents?
In serious accidents in Texas, speeding is also a common factor. Over 17,000 crashes that occurred in 2015, as stated by the TDOT, involved drivers who were either traveling at unsafe speeds or violating the speed limit. There were 398 deaths and over 3,300 injuries as a result of these crashes. Also, causing over 3,000 injuries and more than 160 deaths, drivers who failed to control their speeds to avoid collisions were involved in over 30,000 more crashes. As it may contribute disproportionately to serious injuries and fatalities, excessive speed is not the most common cause of accidents in Texas. When they travel at higher speeds, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety explains that drivers have reduced time to respond to hazards and less control over their vehicles. As it increases the likelihood of structural damage to vehicles, injuries to occupants and other severe outcomes, high-speed crashes also release more energy.
Inattentive Drivers Cause Car Accidents
According to DOT data driver distraction played a role in more than 105,000 car crashes that occurred across Texas in 2015. In milder injuries and over 2,500 resulted in incapacitating injuries, distracted drivers are causing more harm than they may suppose. What is even more tragic, is that of these accidents, 422 people’s lives where claimed. It is estimated that one out of five accidents in Texas are the result of distracted drivers. Where cellphones are a primary source of the distraction, there are other culprits. It is up to individuals to avoid these distractions and keep their focus on the road.
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Though many accidents are avoidable, there are some situations where they are not. If you find yourself in collision in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas, call in the professionals of Citywide Towing Service. We offer fast car accident response and tow your vehicle to your home, preferred auto repair shop or other desired destination.
