What is the Most Common Factor for Crashes in Texas?
What can you do to help yourself stay out of car accidents if you live in one of the busier areas of Texas? A good start will be to know what behaviors and mistakes tend to cause the most crashes, so you can steer clear of them.
Five of the most common causes of car accidents in Texas are:
- Drunk driving: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that there were at least 958 traffic fatalities in 2020 caused by or involving a drunk driver. This number is equal to 25% of all traffic fatalities for the year, making it the worst confirmed cause of car accidents in the state. Most drunk driving accidents happen between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM on Saturdays, which lines up with times that people use to go out for drinks and parties. All it takes is a single drink of alcohol to destroy your ability to drive safely for several hours, so never drink and drive.
- Distracted driving: In 2020, at least 368 people lost their lives due to distracted drivers in Texas, based on the TxDot numbers. Out of all the forms of driver distraction, texting-and-driving is often believed to be the worst. Practically every driver owns a smartphone that they keep close at hand at all times.
- Speeding: Reckless driving behaviors come in many forms, but the most common form might be speeding. A driver who intentionally exceeds the posted speed limit of a street or highway has decided to put themselves and others in danger. Speed limits are carefully calculated to be safe based on the usual traffic conditions, the shape of the road, and other factors. Therefore, it is impossible to exceed the speed limit safely.
- Tailgating: Following a vehicle too closely is called tailgating. This common driving mistake can be extremely dangerous when traveling at high speeds. If a car that is being tailgated has to come to a sudden stop, then the driver who is tailgating them will probably have no time to stop, too. The result is a rear-end collision that can cause a total wreck of both vehicles and any others in adjacent lanes.
- Failure to yield: When driving, you should always think and react defensively. A big part of defensive driving is being willing to yield your lane to another motorist if that means you both remain safe. Failing to yield when needed, especially when directed by a streetlight or sign, can cause serious car accidents.
If you are in a car accident in Texas and you think the other driver was driving negligently for one reason or another, you might be able to file a claim or lawsuit against them for compensation. Dunk Law Firm can help with all parts of your car accident case, from initial investigations to litigation. Contact us online to find out how to begin with your case.
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