Houston: The fast (& furious) City
Houston is a city known for its fast-paced lifestyle and sprawling highways. With a population of over 2 million people and a vast network of roads and freeways, it’s no surprise that Houston is also a city with a high rate of car accidents.
According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 78,000 motor vehicle accidents in Houston in 2020 alone. That’s an average of 214 accidents per day, or nearly nine accidents every hour.
But it’s not just the sheer number of accidents that makes Houston a city to be reckoned with when it comes to auto accidents. The city’s high-speed motorways and reckless driving habits have also contributed to the high rate of accidents.
Houston’s highways, such as I-45 and Beltway 8, are notorious for their high-speed limits and heavy traffic. Drivers hurrying to their destination often engage in dangerous behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and failing to signal when changing lanes.
These reckless driving habits can lead to severe accidents, including head-on collisions, rollovers, and rear-end crashes. Data from the Houston Police Department shows that speeding was a factor in nearly a third of all car accidents in the city in 2020.
The consequences of these accidents can be devastating, with many resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. In 2020, Houston had over 3,500 car accident-related injuries and nearly 400 deaths.
Houston’s fast-paced culture and high-speed roads can be a dangerous combination. It’s vital for drivers in the city to be extra vigilant and always practice safe driving habits to prevent accidents and keep themselves and others safe on the roads.
Houston and auto accidents
Houston has a high rate of car accidents, with over 78,000 motor vehicle accidents occurring in the city in 2020 alone. This high number of casualties is partly due to the city’s fast-paced culture and expansive network of highways, which can lead to reckless driving behaviors such as speeding and tailgating.
Speeding is a ubiquitous factor in Houston car accidents, with data from the Houston Police Department showing that it was a contributing factor in nearly a third of all accidents in the city in 2020. Other common causes of car accidents in Houston include distracted driving, drunk driving, and failure to yield the right of way.
The consequences of these accidents can be severe, with many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. In 2020, Houston had over 3,500 car accident-related injuries, with nearly 400 deaths. These accidents can have a devastating impact not only on those directly involved but on their families and loved ones as well.
While the rate of car accidents in Houston is alarming, there are steps that drivers can take to reduce their risk of being involved in an accident. These include always wearing a seatbelt, following the speed limit, avoiding distractions while driving, and never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. By taking these precautions, drivers can help make Houston’s roads safer.
Houston and its unsafe roads:
From major thoroughfares like Main Street and FM 1960 to local favorites like Waugh Drive and Bissonnet Street, the city’s streets reflect the diverse culture and history of the area.
But while the names of Houston’s streets may be diverse, the times at which accidents are likely to occur are much more predictable. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, most car accidents in Houston occur during the week, with Friday being the most dangerous day of the week. The hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are also the most difficult, with the highest number of accidents occurring during this time.
What are the Leading causes of auto accidents in Houston?
There are many factors that can contribute to auto accidents in Houston, but some are more common than others. Some of the leading causes of auto accidents in Houston include:
- Reckless driving: Houston’s fast-paced culture and high-speed limits can lead to reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and failing to signal when changing lanes. These behaviors can increase the risk of serious accidents, including head-on collisions, rollovers, and rear-end crashes.
- Distracted driving: With the proliferation of smartphones and other devices, it’s more important than ever for drivers to keep their attention on the road. Distractions such as texting, eating, or using navigation apps can all contribute to accidents, and drivers must avoid them.
- Drunk driving: According to data from the Houston Police Department, there were over 2,000 drunken driving arrests in the city in 2020. Drunk driving can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time, making it more likely that they will be involved in an accident.
- Failure to yield the right of way: Accidents can occur when one driver fails to yield the right of way to another, whether at an intersection or while merging onto a highway. This can be particularly dangerous when large commercial vehicles are involved, as their size and weight can make them more challenging to stop.
By being aware of these and other causes of auto accidents in Houston, drivers can take steps to prevent accidents and keep themselves and others safe on the roads.
How to avoid accidents?
There are many steps that drivers can take to avoid auto accidents and keep themselves and others safe on the roads. Some tips for preventing accidents include:
- Follow the speed limit: Speeding is a significant cause of accidents, and it’s essential to follow the posted speed limit to reduce your risk of being involved in a crash.
- Avoid distractions: Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, and keeping your attention on the road is crucial. Avoid texting, eating, or using navigation apps while driving.
- Don’t drink and drive: Alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time, making it more likely that you will be involved in an accident. Never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.
- Wear a seatbelt: Seatbelts are a crucial safety feature that can help prevent serious injuries or fatalities in an accident. Always wear a seatbelt and ensure that all passengers in your vehicle are correctly restrained.
- Keep a safe distance: Tailgating is a common cause of rear-end crashes. Make sure to leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to give yourself time to react to any sudden changes in traffic.
Auto car accidents may be life-changing: Choose an auto accident attorney judiciously
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Houston, you may be wondering what to do next and how to protect your rights. One of the first things you should consider is hiring a car accident attorney to help you navigate the legal process and pursue a compensation claim.
The car accident legal process can be complex, and it’s vital to have an experienced lawyer on your side to help you navigate it. The best car accident lawyer can explain your options and help you determine your case’s best action.
One of the key ways in which a car accident attorney can help you is by representing you in negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance companies are in the business of making profits and may try to minimize the compensation they pay to accident victims. An experienced lawyer, like Houston car accident lawyers, can fight for the total and fair compensation you deserve through negotiations or by taking the case to court.
Hire Houston car accident lawyer:
Houston car accident lawyers are skilled and experienced professionals who can help you to navigate the legal process and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. We deeply understand the laws and regulations that apply to car accidents in Houston and can use this knowledge.
We are known for keeping the process simple for our clients. Our expertise makes us the preferred auto injury attorney in Houston. We have a dedicated team to look after car accident attorney cases, truck accident attorney cases, and motorcycle accident attorney cases, with personal injury cases.
Don’t hesitate to call us at 346-233-1350 for help getting the compensation you deserve. We’re here to support you every step of the way and increase your chances of a successful claim
