In 2016, Texas roadways claimed nearly 3,800 lives. The number of fatalities has increased 5.47 percent from the previous year and is expected to continue to rise.
More than 100 people die from reckless driving in San Antonio every year. Among some circles, Houston is known as the “drunk driving capital of Texas.” Not to mention, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Amarillo traffic fatality rate is an astounding 50 percent higher than the national average.
Put it all together, and it’s obvious that there is an ongoing problem on Texas roads. People like to point fingers at the state oil industry or out-of-town drivers, but the truth is, it comes down to reckless and negligent behavior behind the wheel –– behavior we have a responsibility to stop.
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY CAR ACCIDENTS IN TEXAS?
The legal response to this kind of fatality is swift. Drivers who are under the influence and still choose to get behind the wheel of a car can expect to be charged with reckless endangerment, or vehicular should their actions lead to the death of another driver or a passing pedestrian.
One-third of all accidents in Texas involve pedestrians, and many of those involved in car accidents succumb to their injuries. This leaves loved ones and their families demanding answers and compensation for this great loss. While neither of these things will bring a lost loved one back, they can help to shift focus to prevention, not just reaction after the fact.
All too often our thoughts of prevention are secondary. They hit after something has happened to draw our attention to an issue or shortcoming. Given the state of Texas roads, this approach is no longer acceptable. We need to focus on attentive and defensive driving.
HOW TO PREVENT CAR ACCIDENTS
While many fatal car crashes are due to driver negligence, there are some ways to help prevent getting in an accident. Here are some tips from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD):
- When on the highway, avoid the fast lane. For one reason, people drive fast in the fast lane. It is often hard to merge out of the fast lane quickly if someone hits the brakes suddenly. When you are in the fast lane, you will find that you are very much at the mercy of the car in front of you.
- Watch two cars ahead of you rather than just one car. It’s very hard at times to stop in enough time when the car in front of you suddenly hits the brakes. If you see the car in front of that car hit the brakes it may give you the time you need to slow down.
- Avoid driving at night. Drunk drivers and teens tend to drive more at night, putting you at greater risk for a fatal accident.
- Drive with your hands in the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock position. This is the ideal position for control of the wheel. When your hands are like this you are more able to make sudden changes and avoid an accident.
WHO CAN REPRESENT ME IF I AM IN A CAR ACCIDENT?
Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. in Amarillo, Texas understands that taking these steps will not prevent every accident, but with more people driving defensively we can reduce reckless driving incidents on Texas roads. Rest assured, if you or a loved one are affected by a fatal car accident, our Amarillo personal injury lawyers will make sure you are well represented under Texas state law.