Texas Car Accident Statistics (2023)

The Texas Department of Transportation collects and analyzes data from police reports for every reported crash in the state. This data is then compiled into the Crash Records Information System (CRIS) database, which serves as an invaluable resource for identifying key contributory factors to these accidents. This comprehensive Texas car accident statistics database enables us to identify and understand the leading causes of car accidents in Texas, helping policymakers and law enforcement agencies develop targeted strategies to enhance road safety.

Texas car accident statistics in 2023

The Top 8 Causes of Car Accidents in Texas in 2023

1) Speeding or Unsafe Speed

25.7% of car crashes in Texas in 2023 were a result of speeding, or driving at an unsafe speed given the road conditions. The thrill of driving on the freeways often lures drivers to intentionally or unintentionally exceed the speed limit. The risk of high-speed crashes resulting in loss of life is high due to the energy behind the collision/impact.

2) Driver Inattention

Driver inattention accounted for approximately 12.9% of car accidents in Texas in 2023. In an increasingly interconnected and fast-paced world, drivers are often distracted by activities such as texting, making phone calls, or even eating while driving. These distractions reduce the driver’s awareness of the road and their capacity to respond promptly to sudden changes in the road or traffic conditions, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

3) Ran or Ignored a Stop Sign or Red Light

Running or ignoring a stop sign or red light accounted for 10.4% of car accidents in Texas in 2023. This is a dangerous driving behavior that often results in severe intersection collisions. Drivers who ignore traffic signs and signals pose a serious risk to both themselves and other road users. These accidents often occur because the driver is in a rush, distracted, or intentionally disregarding the rules of the road.

4) Changed Lane When Unsafe

Unsafe lane changes contributed to approximately 7.75% of car accidents in Texas in 2023. A driver can unwittingly endanger themselves and others on the road by changing lanes without adequately checking their blind spots, failing to signal their intentions to other road users, or changing lanes in a hasty or abrupt manner. These unsafe behaviors can lead to collisions with other vehicles or cause drivers to veer off the road in an attempt to avoid an accident.

5) Failure to Drive in a Single Lane

Failure to maintain a single lane was responsible for 6.97% of car accidents in Texas in 2023. This could occur when a driver drifts out of their lane due to distraction, fatigue, or the influence of alcohol or drugs. It could also be a result of poor weather conditions or vehicle malfunctions. These accidents can be particularly dangerous if they result in a head-on collision with oncoming traffic or cause other drivers to swerve off the road. It is crucial for drivers to stay focused and alert at all times to safely stay within their lane.

6) Failure to Yield Right-of-Way Turning Left

Failing to yield the right-of-way when turning left accounted for 5.62% of car accidents in Texas in 2023. This often happens when drivers misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming traffic, or when they are impatient and try to make the left turn before oncoming traffic arrives. These situations can result in severe T-bone or head-on collisions. It is vitally important for drivers to ensure they have a clear, sufficient gap in traffic before proceeding with a left turn.

7) Backed Out When Unsafe

Backing out unsafely was responsible for approximately 4.05% of car accidents in Texas in 2023. This typically occurs in parking lots and driveways when drivers neglect to check their rearview mirror or blind spots before reversing their vehicle. It can also happen when drivers back out too quickly or without adequate visibility due to poor lighting or obstructions. These accidents can result in minor fender-benders, more serious collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles, or even property damage. It is crucial for drivers to back out slowly and carefully to avoid such accidents.

8) Tailgating / Following too Close

Tailgating accounted for about 3.20% of car accidents in Texas in 2023. This unsafe practice, which involves following another vehicle too closely, can easily lead to rear-end collisions, especially if the leading vehicle abruptly slows down or stops. It reduces the following driver’s time to react and increases their chances of crashing into the vehicle in front. Drivers are advised to maintain a safe following distance to prevent such incidents.

Table of Texas Car Accidents Statistics and Facts

Other Texas Car Accident Statistics, Facts, and Figures

According to the Texas Department of Transportation:

  • Texas has not had a single day without a car accident since November 7, 2000.
  • In 2022, 244,092 people were injured in car traffic crashes.
    • 1 car accident occurred every 57 seconds, 1 person was injured every 2 minutes and 9 seconds, and 1 person was killed every 1 hour and 57 minutes.
  • The average fatality rate on Texas roads was 1.55 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
    • The death toll from car traffic accidents decreased by 0.36% from 2021 to 4,481 fatalities.
  • Road accidents in rural areas accounted for 51.42% of all reported traffic fatalities.
  • Between 2021 and 2022, crashes due to cars running off the road accounted for 32.8% of fatal crashes, with 1,471 in total.
  • Pedestrian fatalities increased by 0.24% between 2021 and 2022, with a total of 828 fatalities.
  • Pedalcyclist fatalities increased by 1.11% between 2021 and 2022, with a total of 91 fatalities.
  • Texas had the second most car accidents of any state in 2020, lagging behind only California.
  • Texas car accident statistics show that every year, more than 500,000 car crashes are reported.

How Many Car Accidents Occur in Dallas?

Dallas has one of the highest number of car accidents in the entire state of Texas. Even though Dallas is geographically smaller than San Antonio and Austin, most people say it’s home to the worst drivers. Here are the 2023 Dallas car accident statistics:

  • 187 fatal crashes
  • 195 fatalities out of the 34,734 crashes
  • 1,148 people sustained severe injuries
  • 5,669 people sustained minor injuries
  • 8,267 people sustained possible injuries

Between 2010 and 2021, the number of traffic deaths on Dallas roads increased by 80%.

How Many Car Accidents are Reported in Houston Each Year?

In 2023, traffic deaths decreased to 283 in Houston. This figure is higher than in other major Texas cities, such as:

When is the Most Dangerous Time to Drive on Texas Roads?

Your risk of getting involved in an accident is mildly dependent on the time of the day and season. The Texas car accident statistics show that most car accidents in Texas occur between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. The high number of drunk drivers on the road and limited visibility increases the risk of an accident occurring.

Texas car accident statistics tell us that the number of auto crashes spikes on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays). Most weekend accidents are caused by drunk driving. During fall and summer, the Texas car accident statistics mention that, the number of car accidents increases across Texas. At this time of the year, experienced motorists and teen drivers spend most of their free time on the road.

That said, you can find yourself in a car accident even if you adhere to all traffic rules and do everything right. It doesn’t matter the time of the day or the road you are driving on in Texas. If you are involved in a car accident, its highly recommendable to contact a respected personal injury lawyer to know your legal options and rights.

How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in Texas?

Well, every car accident is different. Three primary factors that come into play when determining the ideal compensation amount are the injuries sustained, the size of the insurance policy, and the specific details of the collision.

The minimum auto insurance limits in Texas are $30,000 for bodily injury to one person and $60,000 for bodily injury to more than one person. The minimum property damage is $25,000. Other damages you can sue for include:

  • Loss of earning potential
  • Lost wages due to inability to work
  • Emotional distress damages
  • Present and future medical expenses
  • Punitive damages due to gross negligence of the at-fault party

Contact Thompson Law if You Need Help After a Car Wreck

Contact a reputable personal injury lawyer to help you evaluate your case and file the claim. Otherwise, trying to wing everything solo could result in you losing the case or getting low compensation.

At Thompson Law, we are fully committed to ensuring you get fully compensated. Your case will be assigned a dedicated personal injury lawyer to evaluate it and help you file the claim. we don’t charge upfront fees; you only pay if we win the case. Contact us today for a free and non-obligatory case evaluation.

Texas car accident statistics presented by no win no fee accident lawyer

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