A Dallas car accident lawyer explains why fatal car wrecks are so common in Texas.
Texas recently marked a grim milestone – 22 years in a row with a car accident fatality every day of the year, according to a recent announcement from the Texas Department of Transportation.
"Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan, a champion for road safety and TxDOT's #EndTheStreakTX campaign, said every Texan must do their part," according to the recent announcement about the 22-year car accident death streak.
Our Dallas law firm welcomes any effort to educate the public about the dangers drivers face daily on the road in Texas. A Marye Law, we know first-hand just how deadly and dangerous many roads and highways can be in Texas.
Texas car accident death toll tops 79,000
Since November 7, 2000, at least one person has died every day in a car accident in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Since that day 22 years ago, more than 79,000 people have died in motor vehicle accidents in the Lone Star State.
Unfortunately, the problem only seems to be getting worse in recent years. Last year, Texas set a record for the most car accident fatalities in a single year since 1981, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. In 2021, 4,480 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Texas, an 18.4 percent increase compared to 2020.
In addition, 2021 was the second deadliest year ever for motor vehicle accidents in Texas since the state started collecting such accident data in 1940.
Why fatal car accidents happen in Texas
One major reason why car accident fatalities remain a serious problem in Texas has to do with "an erosion of community" between drivers on the road, according to Dr. Art Markman of the University of Texas.
"We have to remind people that they are part of a community," Markman said in an interview included in the Texas Department of Transportation announcement about the 22-year car accident death toll. "We have to start considering everyone as part of our community. If we don't do that, there are going to be all sorts of negative consequences, and those are going to include negative consequences on the road."
Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan agreed. "Since the pandemic, people don't seem to view others around them as part of a community," Ryan said. "We are starting to identify the problem."
How to prevent fatal car crashes
There are many steps drivers in Texas can take to prevent being involved or causing a serious car accident. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, safety tips include:
- Make smart choices before driving, including not driving drunk or driving when tired.
- Always wear your seatbelt when driving or riding in a car.
- Follow the traffic laws on the road, including don't run a red light or stop sign.
- Obey posted speed limits. Speeding remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Texas.
Injured in a Dallas car accident? Contact Marye Law to review your legal rights and potential options for compensation.
Car accident injury claims and lawsuits can quickly turn into complicated legal cases. If you don't have an attorney who knows the law and is looking out for your best interests, you might not get the money you rightfully deserve for your injury-related expenses.
At Marye Law, we always put our clients' best interests first. In addition, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you. To see how an experienced Dallas car accident attorney can help you, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
