Texas Fatal Accident Statistics
Texas, like most other states, has realized a decrease in the number of traffic accident fatalities from 2006 to 2015. However, the decrease isn’t as large as it is in other states. In fact, total fatalities fell from a decade high of 3,536 in 2014, to 3,516 in 2015.
Of those fatalities –
- 1,814 died in single vehicle accidents
- 561 died in crashes involving at least one large truck
- 975 deaths involved vehicle rollovers
- 1,769 deaths involved a vehicle leaving the roadway
- 699 died in intersections or intersection-related traffic
Seatbelt usage has improved over the analyzed time period, with unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant rates falling from a high of 1,147 deaths to 859 in 2015. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that seatbelts, at the current usage rates, saved 1,712 lives and could have saved another 269 if all occupants wore restraints every time they traveled.
Motorcyclist fatalities increased over the analyzed time period, jumping from 353 deaths in 2006 to 443 in 2015. Texas does not have a universal helmet law, which is part of the reason the death rate is so high, though these rates decreased from a ten-year high of 524 in 2008. The NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 122 bike riders, and could have saved another 88 if all riders wore a helmet.
Alcohol impairment and speeding continue to claim far too many lives around the country. In our state, drunk driving claimed the lives of 1,323 people, a decrease from the 1,446 who died the prior year, but an increase from the decade low of 1,216 in 2011. Speeding was a contributing factor in the deaths of 1,105 people, which is a ten-year low.
Fatal accidents involving novice and young drivers are always disturbing. Fortunately, Texas implemented the Graduated Driver’s License program to give new operators longer to established safe driving skills. This program may be contributing to the decrease the number of drivers under the age of 21 involved in fatal crashes, as the rate has fallen from a high of 649 young drivers in 2006 to 457 in 2015.
The number of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle accidents has significantly increased from a low of 350 people in 2009 to a high of 537 in 2015. This increase is a clear indication that the state needs to do more to protect this type of road user.
Texas roads are dangerous. If you have been injured in a car accident or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, you need a dedicated team of attorneys and legal professionals fighting for your rights. Our attorneys have a long and proven record of helping the victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserve.
Call us today if you or a loved one were injured in a-
- Commercial bus crashes
- School bus accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck crashes
- Motorcycle collisions
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Semi-truck crashes
We’ll fight insurance companies, negligent operators, and reckless drivers to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.