We rely on our cars to get us from point A to point B, to enjoy the fresh air blowing through open windows, and even the power and pleasure of driving around in a new car. No matter the reason for getting behind the wheel, you likely don’t plan on getting into a car accident. But a car accident can happen when you least expect it. It helps to have a solid understanding not only of the rules of the road but also of the most common facts and figures around Texas car accidents. In fact, vehicles traveled over 288 billion miles in Texas during 2021, which means there are a lot of cars and the road and increases your chances of getting into a car wreck. The more you know about car accidents, the more prepared you can be for when or if it happens to you. Here are some important facts and statistics about Texas car accidents and what you can do to take care of yourself afterward.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Texas Per Year?
Approximately half a million car accidents happen in Texas every year. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one reportable car accident occurred every 57 seconds in 2021. Texas also experienced an increase in the number of fatalities caused by traffic accidents last year, with over 4,000 deaths due to motor vehicle traffic accidents. Car crashes with possible or confirmed injuries tend to make up over half of the car accidents that happen every year. That means if you do get into a car accident in Texas, it is possible to suffer some type of injury. Injuries from car accidents can range from mild scrapes and bruises to serious, life-threatening conditions. In 2021, Texas recorded over 15,000 car accidents that resulted in serious injury.
What Is the Leading Cause of Texas Car Accidents?
Whether you’re driving on rural roads or interstate highways, driving across Texas can come with challenges and hazards. In fact, two of the most hazardous roads in America are located in Texas: Interstate 35 and Interstate 45. The leading cause of car accidents in Texas is speeding. With millions of miles of roadways to travel in Texas, driving at illegal or unsafe speeds can put you and others on the road at risk. Car crashes that occur because of speeding can also lead to higher rates of injuries because of the unsafe speeds involved. Another leading cause of Texas car accidents is distracted driving. Now more than ever, drivers have so much to be distracted by right at their fingertips. From cars with all kinds of features to your cell phone, it can be so easy to take your eyes off the road and accidentally end up in a car wreck. Inattention and distraction are considered negligent behaviors that can put you and others at risk.
What City in Texas Has the Most Car Accidents?
Cities like Amarillo, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Laredo, and Lubbock recorded between 5,000 and 10,000 car accidents in 2021. However, the city in Texas with the most car accidents in 2021 was Houston, according to the annual Texas motor vehicle crash statistics. Houston recorded almost 67,000 car accidents last year alone, with over 40% of those crashes including possible injuries. The city in Texas with the second most car accidents in 2021 was San Antonio, with just over 38,000 car accidents, followed by Dallas, with over 35,000 car accidents. El Paso and Fort Worth each totaled between 14,000 and 16,000 car accidents in 2021. It is worth noting that these totals include all traffic accidents reported to the police, and the total numbers are likely higher.
Which Type of Collision Is Most Common in Texas?
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in Texas and across the entire United States. The standard definition of a rear-end collision is when a driver hits the vehicle in front of them. Rear-end collisions are common at red lights, stop signs, and during stop-and-go traffic. Distracted driving is one of the main reasons why rear-end collisions happen. Also known as a fender-bender, a rear-end collision is also more likely to occur when drivers do not leave enough space between their car and the vehicle in front of them. Other common types of car accidents in Texas include single-car accidents, head-on crashes, and side-impact accidents.
Texas Car Accident Fatalities by Age & Gender
A particularly harrowing statistic on Texas car accidents in 2021 is that not a single day went by without a traffic accident fatality. Based on reported traffic crash statistics to the Texas Department of Transportation, one person was killed in a traffic accident every 1 hour and 57 minutes. Overall, Texas has experienced a slight increase in car accident fatalities over the last few years. There are significantly higher statistics of males dying from car accidents than females in Texas. Of the almost 2,000 reported deaths of the driver in car accidents, almost 75 percent were male. Texas car accident fatalities among both male and female drivers were much higher among the 18–25-year-old range than any other age group.
What Should You Do After a Car Crash?
It helps to have a plan for what to do after a car crash, even if you think it will never happen to you. Getting into a car accident can be such an incredibly stressful experience, which can impact your ability to think clearly. Here are three things to remember for the future to help you know what to do after a car accident.
Report the Accident
The first thing you want to do is call 911 and report the accident. The shock of getting into a car accident can actually prevent you from fully comprehending what’s going on. You might not even realize you have been injured! First responders to the scene will help assess the situation and get you appropriate medical attention as needed. Reporting the accident is also important for insurance purposes so you won’t have to worry about financial stress afterward.
Gather Important Information
While you wait for first responders to arrive at the scene, take a moment to take in the situation. It can help to write down or add notes on your phone about what you remember and your immediate reactions. If you notice any pain or other physical symptoms, be sure to jot those down and let the first responders know when they arrive. You may also take this time to exchange information with the other driver if it is safe to do so. You could also take photos or videos of any damage, the location of the accident, and any other information that might seem relevant.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
You always want to err on the side of caution and get immediate medical attention after a car accident. A car accident can cause your body to flood with adrenaline and trigger your fight-or-flight response. While this can help you to better manage a difficult situation, adrenaline can also mask pain and other obvious signs of an injury. However, when you visit a car accident doctor, they will know exactly what signs and symptoms to look for and determine whether you have suffered a car accident injury.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Texas, visit a Pro-Care Medical Centers location near you for quality, comprehensive care. Our team of primary care doctors and car accident chiropractors treat a wide range of car accident injuries and are here to help Texans recover safely and swiftly from all types of car accidents. Call or go online today to schedule an appointment and get started with our team at Pro-Care for all your healthcare and treatment needs.
