Although the The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that American traffic deaths decreased by 4.4% in 2024, Texas has claimed the unfortunate distinction of 18th place on the list of deadly states for car accident. As any car crash attorney in the state will tell you, there are a number of reasons why Texan road deaths have barely budged while the nation as a whole seems to have become better at preventing driving fatalities.
What can Texans do about this? As we comb over the most recent stats and identify the most common causes of deadly accidents in Texas, it will emerge that some groups of people remain at a higher risk for accidents than others. Also, it is crucial to explore whether or not recent safety initiatives have been been paying off. Perhaps most importantly, there are some very practical tips that can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe on the road.
Some Startling Stats
- In 2024, the fatality rate in Texas was approximately 1.34 per 100 million VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled)
- Every two hours, there is a traffic fatality on Texas roads
- Harris County is disproportionately represented in the data, with over 10% of Texas vehicle fatalities taking place within it
- The last day without any deaths on Texas roads was November 7, 2000
- Texan drivers should be particularly vigilant on Interstate 10, which continually ranks as one of the most dangerous highways in the state
The Main Causes of Texas Car Accidents in 2024
- Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Failure to Yield
- Unsafe Lane Changes
- Driving in Multiple Lanes
As an auto accident attorney will tell you, many of the above causes will have intensifying factors. When you dig into the data, for example, you will discover that many drivers who were driving in multiple lanes were either driving under the influence or falling asleep at the wheel. However, although the data does not provide a complete picture, it does illuminate many of the factors that are causing dangerous situations. Also, it’s important to note that speeding, which is the top cause, may come in various forms. It’s not necessarily just going out on I-35 and accelerating up to 100 miles per hour.
Speeding can also include passing someone on a dark, winding, rural road at night — and not seeing that there’s oncoming traffic. If you talk to a car crash lawyer at any point, you may discover how many car accidents share a number of complicating factors. For example, it’s quite common to have incidents that include texting — driving while distracted — while also speeding or under the influence.
Other Factors Contributing to Car Accidents in Texas During 2024
As the world’s climate continues to change, it probably doesn’t come as a surprise that weather conditions were also part of the mix in 2024. Whether it was fog, rain or even sleet, Texan drivers were forced to face the elements. Like other areas of the country, Texas has also been experiencing an unfortunate uptick in “aggressive driving” incidents — road rage. However, not all of the factors contributing to car accidents in Texas can be attributed to societal ills as dramatic as road rage. Oftentimes, accidents are caused by just bad driving habits.
As any Texan will tell you, drivers running red lights is a consistent problem. Every week, a car collision attorney will most likely hear a story about a catastrophic accident that occurred due to something as simple as tailing another driver too closely. On Texas highways especially, just a few tenths of a second can separate life and death. When the margins of error are this small — and the stakes are so high — it’s important to pay very close attention on the road.
The United Stands Trends Downward in Fatalities While Texas Stays Almost the Same
The fact that American traffic deaths fell 4.4% between 2023 and 2024 is no small feat. It would appear that, as a whole, the country is adopting more safe driving practices. What’s alarming, however, is that Texas does not seem to be following this positive trend. As America’s traffic deaths have been declining at a fairly significant rate, fatalities in Texas have only been decreasing slightly.
High-Risk Groups: Who Is Most Affected?
In Texas, the most high-risk groups include:
- Younger adults
- Rural drivers
- Those who drive while under the influence
- Distracted drivers
Breaking Down the Car Accident Stats
Unfortunately, younger drivers represent one of the largest high-risk groups. This has been the case for a long time, and it’s a fact that car rental companies are aware of; this is why many do not rent to drivers who are under 25. Sadly, across the country, motor vehicles are one of the most common causes of death in those under the age of 40. This is also the case in Texas.
Indeed, because there are a lot of rural areas in the Lone Star State, it’s also not surprising to discover that over half of the traffic fatalities in 2022 occurred in rural areas. Additionally, single-vehicle crashes represented almost exactly a third of all the driving fatalities in Texas that year.
An Alarming Car Accident Trend Emerges in Houston
Gridlock and congested traffic are nothing new in the city of Houston, which has become the setting for many traffic deaths over the past few years. Interstate 45 has been repeatedly called out as a particularly hazardous roadway over the years. US-59, Interstate 10 and the West Loop have also been cited as potential dangers for drivers.
During the early days of the pandemic in 2020, traffic fatalities in most areas around the country dropped a great deal. This was not the case in Houston, however, where traffic deaths actually increased to 275 in 2020 — and rose even more over the next year. These days, every car collision lawyer in Texas knows that the Houston area has been an area of concern for quite some time now. Sadly, in 2024, Houston hit a record for traffic deaths — a stunning 301 fatalities.
Are There Any Safety Initiatives to Stop Fatalities on Texas Roads?
For those looking at the shockingly high numbers of fatalities, it may seem somewhat remarkable that Texas actually does have quite a few initiatives aimed toward stopping traffic deaths — and has for quite some time now. Every local official and car accident attorney can see the statistics, and they are trying to do something about it.
Here are just a few of the programs currently in place:
- “Road to Zero”
- SafeDRIVE Program
- “Drive Sober. No Regrets”
- “Click It or Ticket”
Multiple Agencies Working to Combat High Death Rate on Texas Roads
Road to Zero, which was created by the Texas Strategic Highway Safety Plan, has set forth the lofty goal of no traffic deaths by the year 2050. Although this particular plan is focused on fatalities specifically, the agency has also expressed concern over the approximately 16,500 people who are injured in car accidents that occur in the state.
With so many injuries recorded, it is easy to see why so many drivers — and their passengers — reach out to an auto accident lawyer in the wake of such major incidents. While the number of fatalities are very important, it’s also crucial to keep in mind that serious injuries can also have lasting effects upon a family.
The SafeDRIVE Program, meanwhile, focuses on the safe operation of commercial vehicles. This is an exciting initiative because it acknowledges how often big-rigs and other commercial vehicles are involved in significant crashes. By specifically focusing on commercial vehicles — and the way that passenger vehicles interact with them, authorities can attempt to bring the fatality numbers down. The acronym stands for Safe Driving Requires Initiative and Vision Everywhere and sets out to monitor certain corridors of Texan highways.
Behaviors targeted by the SafeDRIVE program include:
- Tailgating
- No Safety Belt
- Speeding
- Aggressive Driving
- Driving While Intoxicated
- Distracted Driving
The TxDOT has a few initiatives meant to reduce fatalities as well. “Drive Sober No Regrets” is a program that shares real stories from survivors, loved ones and offenders who have been affected by intoxicated drivers. The Click It or Ticket program, meanwhile, emphasizes the importance of buckling up before getting on the road.
If you ask any car accident lawyer or police officer, they will tell you just how much the simple act of buckling your seatbelt can make a huge difference. There are some police officers, for example, who will tell you that they have never unbuckled a dead person — because seatbelts do have such a great track record of helping to save lives.
What Can Texan Drivers Do to Stay Safe?
What is one to do to protect themselves amid all of these dangers? Keeping in mind that the roads in Texas can be dangerous, drivers need to make safety their biggest priority before setting out on the road. Defensive driving is a good start; drivers in Texas should always be vigilant. Whether they’re driving just a few miles from home or taking to the highway, drivers should always stay on the lookout for any potential hazards crossing their path.
It’s best to not necessarily assume, for example, that another driver won’t run a red light. Other drivers may be drunk, drugged or exhausted — which has also been proven to be a huge risk factor in accidents. In a world that is increasingly complex, Texas drivers are urged to simplify things by making safe driving a habit.
Don’t Drive Drunk or Even “Tipsy”
Many people, Texas drivers included, underestimate how much alcohol it will take for them to become inebriated. As the Drive Sober No Regrets program shows, just one bad decision on a night out with co-workers can lead to a lifetime of heartbreak for families.
Try Not to Get Into Arguments with Other Drivers
In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to fly off the handle and yell at other drivers or make angry hand gestures. But, unfortunately, there are a lot of people on the road who can become violent due to another driver doing something as simple as cutting them off. Remember that it is always in your best interest to remain calm while on the road. These days, taking control of your emotions is one of the smartest things you can do while driving.
Follow the Rules of the Road: Keeping It Simple in Texas
When you drive mindfully, you put yourself in the best position to handle whatever comes your way on the commute. By driving sober, buckling up and minding the rules of the road, you are giving yourself the best chance possible to make it through without any car accident. Also, remain aware of big rigs and other commercial vehicles on the road. Give them a wide berth, as many may not able to brake in time if they are cut off by a passenger vehicle.
Of course, life happens, but you should always do your part to reduce risk. If you have a passion for keeping people safe on the road, consider posting social media reminders about Texas’s safe-driving initiatives. At the end of the day, every Texan should take responsibility for helping to make the roads of the Lone Star State as safe as they can possibly be.