If your loved one was killed in a wrongful death accident and you need help with a claim, 
Fatal Car Accident Statistics
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the fatality rate on Texas roadways in 2023 was 1.45 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, marking a 4.10% decrease from 2022. However, these statistics remain alarming, with one person killed every 2 hours and 3 minutes on Texas roads.
In 2023, Texas recorded 4,283 traffic fatalities, revealing some disturbing trends:
- There were no deathless days on Texas roadways in 2023, with September 9th being the deadliest day claiming 25 lives
- Nearly half (48.89%) of vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seatbelts when the fatal crash occurred
- Over a quarter (25.45%) of traffic fatalities involved a driver under the influence of alcohol, resulting in 1,090 deaths
- 1,120 people lost their lives in intersection-related crashes
- 403 deaths were attributed to distracted driving, showing a 17.25% decrease from the previous year
- Rural areas accounted for 52.84% of all traffic fatalities, with 2,263 deaths occurring on rural roads
- Single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes claimed 1,368 lives, representing 31.94% of all motor vehicle traffic deaths
Causes of Fatal Car Accidents
Many Texans wonder what makes our roads so dangerous. Understanding the main causes of fatal car accidents can help you stay safe and know your rights if tragedy strikes. Here are the leading causes of deadly crashes on Texas roads:
Drunk Driving:
Drunk driving remains one of the most lethal threats on Texas highways. Alcohol-related crashes account for over 40% of all traffic fatalities in Texas – significantly higher than the national average of 30.3%. While Texas now requires ignition interlock devices for convicted DUI offenders, the danger from first-time offenders remains high.
Speeding:
Speed kills on Texas roads. Over 17,000 crashes involved unsafe speeds, resulting in 398 deaths and 3,300 injuries. High speeds don’t just increase crash risk – they make accidents far more deadly. When drivers speed, they have:
- Less time to react to road hazards
- Reduced vehicle control
- More violent impacts due to increased collision energy
Distracted Driving:
Distracted driving has become alarmingly common, contributing to more than 105,000 crashes in Texas. These distractions led to:
- 422 fatalities
- 2,500+ incapacitating injuries
- 10,000+ other injuries
Despite these statistics, Texas still lacks a statewide ban on cellphone use while driving. While some cities have local bans, distracted driving continues to claim lives across the state.
What Family Members Should Do After a Fatal Car Accident
After losing a loved one in a fatal car accident, contact the experienced wrongful death lawyers at The Ammons Law Firm. Our compassionate legal team will help you pursue justice and fair compensation while you focus on healing. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options.
Contact us online or call (281) 801-5617 for a no-cost consultation.
