As a “Motor City,” Houston has always had its share of traffic problems, including large numbers of car accidents. But in the last 12 years, the increase in the number of new folks moving to Houston has accelerated Houston’s already high accident rate. The result is that Texas’ roadways are now the most dangerous in the US, and Texas is now the #1 state in the US for traffic accident-related fatalities.
It’s almost impossible to get out of driving anywhere in Houston unless you can take public transportation everywhere you go. But even that doesn’t mean you won’t be involved in a car accident, either. Whether you drive a car, take the bus or the train, bicycle, or walk wherever you go, you are still at risk of being involved in a car accident.
Statistics
Houston is now the deadliest and most dangerous city in Texas for drivers. Bayou City had 38,538 crashes in 2019, the highest number in the state. One percent of these crashes resulted in a fatality, and one-third resulted in injuries. A full 13% of accidents happened in the City of Houston. In 2020, there was at least one fatality daily, and go days without a single road fatality.
Most of the accidents occurred on weekends when alcohol consumption and distractions are most common. The worst crashes in 2020 happened from 2:00 am to 2:59 am, according to current TXDOT information. About 38% of those accidents resulted in fatalities.
Another reason for Houston traffic accidents is speeding. It doesn’t help that Texas has some of the highest legal speed limits in the United States, and drivers take full advantage. Because Houston is a 24/7 town, it’s expected that most drivers go faster than the speed limit. But exceeding the speed limit leads to a 64% increase in possible fatality.
Driving In Houston Is a High Risk
There isn’t a way to avoid the risk of an accident entirely. But you can practice safe driving to as much as possible avoid a car accident:
1. Wear your seatbelt every time you drive
2. Obey the speed limit, especially on narrow surface streets and smaller roads in rural areas
3. Keep your car properly maintained—especially the brakes, and know how long it takes to stop your car
4. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs that interfere with your ability to drive
5. Exercise extra caution during inclement weather, which can also contribute to accidents because of wet or frozen roads
6. Never drive with emotional diversions—focus on the road in front and around you
7. Leave a respectable distance between you and the vehicle in front of you and do not tailgate
8. Scan the road in front of you to be aware of possible hazards
9. Keep aware of the possibility of a second accident, which frequently happens after the first one
10. When passing another vehicle, allow for extra distance and room during the pass
Situational awareness of your surroundings and proactive defensive driving gives you a better chance of avoiding a Houston car accident.
Contact a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car accidents can be devastating, complicated, and expensive. You shouldn’t have to handle everything yourself or worry about financial ruin. Get help from an experienced attorney who understands Houston car accidents, liability, and compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact Paxton Law Firm today by calling (281) 978-2244 or filling out our online contact form. During your free consultation, you can learn more about your legal options.
