Houston has made a name for itself as one of the country’s most dangerous cities to drive in. Recent events have done little to convince people otherwise; fatal wrecks have continued to rise in Houston through 2018. As Houston car accident lawyers, at The Krist Law Firm, P.C., we know the devastation these accidents can have, and we are committed to protecting people when tragedy strikes.
For example, during a September weekend in Houston, four people were killed in car crashes. Two more crashes over the same weekend resulted in multiple hospitalizations. During an average week in Houston, there are about 11 fatal car crashes. These accidents resulted in a median of 12 deaths.
Contact The Krist Law Firm, P.C. if you or someone you know was hurt in a Houston car accident. We can determine what happened, who was at fault, and if you can recover damages for the losses you sustained.
Call (281) 283-8500, or contact us online, to schedule a free case evaluation today.
What Makes Driving in Houston So Dangerous?
It has been established that dangerous driving is a significant issue in Houston. Here are some of the factors that make Houston’s roads so hazardous.
Commuters in Houston Are Driving Longer Distances
Houston has a metro population of over six million people. This is the fifth-largest population in the U.S. These people are traveling a total land area of nearly 600 miles. Four out of every five drivers in Houston are driving alone for nearly an hour. The time driven in the average Houston day has also increased by over a minute since 2013. The high population, combined with the amount of time spent behind the wheel, serves to make Houston a more dangerous city for drivers overall.
Roads in Houston Are Designed For Speed
With such a high population, Houston has had to deal with traffic congestion. To combat traffic jams, the roads in Houston are designed to maximize speed wherever possible. The Grand Parkway, which loops partway around the city, has a legal speed limit of 75 miles per hour. Not only is the high population of Houston driving more, they’re doing it faster than in most other cities. This is another factor increasing the risk of driving your vehicle in the Houston area.
Law Enforcement is Doing Less to Deter Speeding
The number of speeding tickets issued in Houston has dropped over the last three years. While the city’s population has continued to increase, the amount of law enforcement officers has remained basically the same. As a result, enforcement of the speeding laws has yielded drastically fewer tickets in the last five years. Motorists are now driving faster, over longer distances, and with less concern for the police.
Pedestrians Have Very Little Room on Houston Streets
Houston has more than 6,200 miles of roadway. There is no official number, but less than half of that roadway has sidewalks. Fewer than 300 miles of road have separate bikes lanes. When pedestrians and cyclists have nowhere to go, but into the road, it’s a recipe for disaster. This is especially true when motorists are driving more, faster, and with more abandon, than they ever have.
Discuss Your Houston Car Crash With The Krist Law Firm, P.C.
Houston car accidents can leave you facing numerous obstacles, including:
- Injury;
- Increased insurance payments;
- Financial strain from medical expenses;
- Financial strain from vehicle repair or rental;
- Emotional distress;
- Lost wages due to your lack of transportation; and
- Lost wages due to your injury preventing you from working.
Recovering damages for your losses can go a long way towards addressing these issues. An attorney from The Krist Law Firm, P.C. can assess your situation and how we can help.
To schedule a free, no-risk consultation with a Houston car accident attorney, call us at (281) 283-8500 or complete our online form today.