Curious about the state of road safety in Houston? Let’s dive into some eye-opening facts. In this post, we’ll cover:
- The high crash rates in Houston and how they compare to traffic accidents in other cities in Texas.
- The leading causes behind these accidents and;
- Specific areas in Houston where accidents are most likely to happen.
Ready? Let’s take a closer look.
Houston Car Accident Data Reveals High Accident Frequency
Did you know that Houston ranks highest in accident rates across Texas? That’s right. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Houston consistently leads the state when it comes to car crashes. But it doesn’t stop there.
In the City of Houston’s Vision Zero Annual Report, we get a clearer picture of just how widespread these accidents are.
Here are some hard-hitting statistics:
– 75,711 total accidents occurred in Houston, leading to 1,592 serious injuries and 323 fatal car accidents.
– 50% of drivers and passengers involved in crashes accounted for all fatal crashes.
– 72% of drivers and passengers accounted for serious injuries.
– 42% of fatal accidents were linked to unsafe driving behaviors.
– 37% of serious injuries were caused by speeding.
That’s a lot to digest, but it’s important to understand how pervasive these problems are.
And here’s the kicker: while there are some fluctuations year-to-year, the causes of accidents have stayed fairly consistent since 2014.
So, what’s causing all these crashes? Let’s break it down.
Contributing Factors in Most Car Accidents
It’s no surprise that Houston’s roads are jam-packed with cars. But did you know this is creating some of the most dangerous driving conditions in the state?
Here’s the scoop:
5.5 million vehicles are registered in the greater Houston area. In Harris County alone, there are more than 3.5 million drivers, making up 63.56% of the region’s total registered vehicles.
That’s a lot of cars on the road. And with more vehicles comes more opportunities for crashes.
But wait—there’s more.
Houston is ranked 10th in the nation for traffic delay times, according to Inrix. Think about it: more time on the road, more chances for distracted drivers or frustrated driving.
But what are the specific causes of these accidents? Texas A&M’s Transportation Institute compiled some shocking data in their report, 7 Deadly Safety Stats:
– 45% of accidents involved unsafe lane changes or roadway departures.
– 39% of crashes involved impaired or drunk driving.
– 23% of accidents happened at intersections.
– 22% were caused by speeding.
– 16% involved pedestrians.
– 14% were due to distracted driving.
– 14% of accidents involved elderly drivers.
As you can see, there are multiple factors at play, each contributing to the rise in car crashes across Houston.
But it doesn’t end there.
Houston is Known for Having Some of the Most Dangerous Roads
Houston is Known for Having Some of the Most Dangerous RoadsBrace yourself for this one:
Houston was recently found to have the most road rage incidents involving guns between 2014 and 2023, according to The Trace [4].
Out of 215 incidents, a shocking 207 involved a shooting victim.
And if you think that’s bad, consider this:
in 2023, Harris County recorded 501 fatal car crashes, resulting in 533 deaths. That’s a staggering number.
But what about non-fatal accidents?
Total collisions in the greater Houston area were 116,521 in 2023, bringing the fatal accident rate to .4299%.
With 5,856 square miles of roadway covering Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, and Waller Counties, it’s no wonder Houston’s traffic conditions can be so treacherous.
But why is this happening?
- Many of Houston’s roads suffer from:
- Poor signage and signals
- Low road visibility
- Poor infrastructure design
- Heavy traffic volume
All of these road conditions lead to a heightened risk of motor vehicle crashes.
Now, what should you do if you’re involved in one?
Get Help After a Houston Car Accident
So, what happens if you find yourself in an auto accident in Houston? You don’t have to go through the aftermath alone.
Krist Law Firm, P.C. is here to help.
If you’re an auto accident victim, contact our Houston car accident lawyers today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Our legal team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you get the compensation you need—and fast. Whether it’s dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, or seeking justice, we’re in your corner.
Don’t wait. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Houston car accident lawyers today to learn how we can help you navigate the legal process.