The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) released grim statistics at its monthly meeting in March 2023, showing that 4,481 fatalities happened on Texas roads during 2022.
This fall, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expected to release national data for 2022. Texas’s large number of fatalities means we’ll likely rank as the deadliest state in the country to drive in.
The TxDOT’s crash facts report paints the picture of just how dangerous Texas roads are. Here are some of the most gripping facts:
- One person dies on our roads every one hour and 57 minutes.
- There are 12.3 deaths on our roads every day.
- One person is injured on our roads every two minutes and nine seconds.
- A reportable crash occurs every 57 seconds.
- November 7, 2000, was the last day without any traffic fatalities in our state.
- On top of the 4,481 deaths in 2022, another 18,880 people sustained a serious injury in a wreck, while 244,092 people sustained less serious injuries.
Drunk Driving and Lack of Seatbelt Use Continue to Cause Harm
The report shows that 48% of people killed in vehicles were not properly restrained at the time of the crash. Clearly, there is more work to do in convincing drivers to wear seatbelts, even on short trips.
Drunk driving remains a major contributor to crashes. TxDOT says 26% of motor vehicle deaths in 2022 involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. Perhaps not surprisingly, more alcohol-involved crashes occur between 2 and 3 a.m. than any other time of day. This is probably due to most bars and clubs closing at 2 a.m.
Danger for Motorcyclists, Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Occupants of cars and trucks are certainly not the only ones in danger when driving in Texas. Unfortunately, fatalities increased among several other groups who use the roads as well:
- 828 pedestrians were killed
- 562 motorcyclists died
- 91 cyclists were killed
Legal Help for the Injured and for Families of Those Killed on the Roads
Crashes that inflict serious or fatal injuries leave victims and families reeling. If you’re involved in a crash, you’ll most likely need financial compensation to pay bills, replace lost income and more.
That’s where a Dallas personal injury attorney can help. It takes an experienced lawyer at a firm with enough power to take on insurance companies, which will do everything they can to minimize the amount they pay to you.
Make sure you seek out a firm that’s known for handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases successfully.
Get a Free Consultation Today
The Dallas lawyers at Ted B. Lyon & Associates have won millions of dollars for clients in serious injury and wrongful death claims.
If you or someone you love was involved in an auto accident in Texas, call 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or send us a message to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
