Texas is known for its bustling highways and heavy traffic, contributing to a higher risk of accidents. Although factors such as road conditions, traffic signals, and weather can contribute to accidents, most crashes occur due to drivers’ actions that could have been avoided. By examining the data and statistics available, experts know the common causes of car accidents in Houston, Texas.
Causes of Car Accidents in Texas
Car accidents can be devastating and life-altering and occur far too often on the busy streets of Houston, Texas. In 2021 alone, there were a total of 66,988 crashes. Among these crashes, 312 were fatal, and 20,513 resulted in injuries.
Although specific data about the causes of accidents in Houston is unavailable, Texas provides statewide information about car crashes. According to these statistics, the most frequent reasons for car accidents in Texas are:
Excessive Speeding
Statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) show that speeding is a leading cause of accidents in Texas. Drivers who exceed the speed limits that transportation officials set significantly increase the risk of collisions.
Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and ability to maneuver their vehicle safely. You could also be driving too fast for the current road conditions, resulting in a crash.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a growing concern nationwide, and Houston is no exception. In 2021, distracted drivers caused about 100,000 accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assert that activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention and compromise their ability to react to sudden changes in traffic.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Changing lanes without proper caution and signaling is a common cause of accidents in Houston. Failing to check blind spots or misjudging the distance between vehicles can lead to sideswipes and collisions. Always use your turn signals, check your mirrors, and ensure there is sufficient space before changing lanes. These simple precautions can prevent accidents and keep everyone on the road safe.
Lane Drift
Lane drift occurs when a driver unintentionally moves out of their lane due to distractions, drowsiness, sickness, faded lane markings, or impaired driving. This dangerous behavior puts both the drifting driver and others at risk, especially when there is oncoming traffic. The National Safety Council states that lane drifting causes 3% of overall head-on caused 27% of fatalities.
Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
Running red lights or stop signs endangers the driver and severely threatens pedestrians and other vehicles. When you disregard a traffic control device, you disrupt other motorists’ expectations and make them presume your actions to avoid a potential accident. Often, they don’t have enough time to stop or swerve to prevent a crash.
Failing to Yield the Right of Way
Whether failing to yield at a stop sign, a yield sign, or when merging, not giving others the right of way can lead to dangerous collisions. Failing to yield the right of way means going into traffic at the wrong time instead of following the proper order set by traffic rules.
Some examples include turning left before there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic, going through an intersection before it’s your turn, or leaving a parking lot or driveway before the cross-traffic has cleared.
Failing to yield often leads to a side-impact collision, also known as a T-bone collision. These accidents can cause serious injuries, especially when the other vehicle hits the driver’s side door.
Faulty Evasive Action
When faced with unexpected hazards or obstacles, drivers may attempt to evade them without considering the safety of other drivers. Abrupt and faulty evasive actions can result in loss of control and collisions. It is essential to assess the situation carefully and take evasive actions responsibly to avoid causing accidents.
If you are involved in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you should seek legal representation from a leading Houston car accident lawyer to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation.
Tailgating
Tailgating, or driving too closely behind another vehicle, is a dangerous behavior that often leads to rear-end collisions. Driving too closely behind another vehicle, known as tailgating, shortens the time you have to react and avoid a collision if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops. Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles usually rests with the driver following behind.
Intoxicated Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Texas and extremely dangerous. Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times, making them more likely to cause accidents. If you plan on consuming alcohol or medication that can affect your driving ability, it is essential to arrange for alternative transportation to keep yourself and others safe.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving can impair drivers’ judgment, decrease their awareness of the road, and even lead to them falling asleep at the wheel. Getting enough rest before driving and taking breaks during long trips is crucial to combating drowsiness.
Unsafe Turning
Making improper or unsafe turns is a frequent cause of accidents. Failing to use turn signals, turning too wide/ or sharply, or turning from the wrong lane can all lead to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. Always use your signals, follow the correct turning procedures, and be aware of your surroundings to prevent accidents during turns.
Unsafe Backing
Backing up without proper caution is a common cause of accidents, especially in parking lots and residential areas. Failing to check mirrors and blind spots or relying solely on rearview cameras can result in collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. When reversing, take your time, be vigilant, and use all available means to ensure a safe backing maneuver.
If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident in Houston, Texas, consider seeking the assistance of experienced legal professionals. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, protect your rights, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Stay informed, drive safely, and protect yourself and other road users.
