Texas Death and Injuries - Economic Losses
Traffic collisions take an enormous toll in both human suffering and property damage.
How does Texas stack up against the other states with regard to traffic fatalities and economic losses?
Traffic collisions take an enormous toll in both human suffering and property damage in Texas. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in traffic collisions in the state of Texas. This is a major public safety and economic problem that affects communities across the Lone Star State.
In 2019, Texas had the second-highest number of traffic fatalities of any state in the United States, with 3,639 deaths. This number is particularly alarming given that Texas has the second-largest population in the country. This means that the number of fatalities per capita is also high.
The financial cost of traffic collisions in Texas is also staggering. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, traffic collisions cost the state an estimated $36.5 billion per year. This includes the direct costs of medical treatment, property damage, lost wages, insurance claims, and legal fees. It also includes the indirect costs of lost productivity and quality of life.
The primary causes of traffic collisions in Texas are distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal collisions in the state. Drivers who are texting, talking on their phones, or otherwise distracted while driving are more likely to be involved in a crash.
Impaired driving is another major cause of traffic collisions in Texas. Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2019. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol greatly increase their risk of being involved in a crash.
Speeding is also a major contributor to traffic collisions in Texas. In 2019, 28% of all fatal collisions involved a driver who was going over the speed limit. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react and increases the risk of a serious collision.
In order to reduce the number of traffic collisions and related fatalities in Texas, it is important for drivers to practice safe driving habits. This includes avoiding distractions, never driving under the influence, and always following the speed limit. It is also important for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to take extra precautions when driving in adverse weather conditions.
Traffic collisions take an enormous toll on both human suffering and property damage in Texas. It is important for drivers to practice safe driving habits in order to reduce the number of collisions and related fatalities. By doing so, we can help make Texas’ roads safer and protect our communities.
Death, Injuries & Economic Loss Injuries Class Defensive
