Roadway Fatalities in Texas During Pandemic
COVID-19 continues to affect Americans in many ways. According to Google, traffic is down by about 50% since the beginning of the pandemic. This has made the company rethink how Google Maps predict traffic patterns. NPR reports that the pandemic is changing how people get around. More Americans use personal transportation, cars, scooters, bikes, and feet instead of public vehicles. Texas roads are seeing less traffic due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, this isn’t translating into fewer roadway fatalities. If you’ve recently been injured in an accident, contact a personal injury attorney Houston to learn more about fighting for the compensation you need to heal.
2020 Statistics in Texas
- More commercial vehicles on the road that are involved in accidents.
- Drivers are excessively speeding because of lighter traffic, making crashes even riskier.
- Texting while driving because traffic is lighter.
- More people are driving under the influence of alcohol, prescription medicine, and illicit drugs.
If you’re a victim of one of these negligent drivers, a personal injury attorney Houston can help you through the process to make a claim to get compensation for your injuries and expenses.
National Accident Trends
Texas isn’t the only state seeing a higher number of fatalities while experiencing fewer vehicles on the road. This is happening across the country. Speeds are up around the nation, maybe from a false sense of security because fewer cars are on the roadways. Drivers can see farther down the road and speed up without realizing it. Some drivers intentionally take more risks because of the lack of traffic. Many drivers just aren’t paying attention or are distracted and stressed. They miss important signage on the road and lose control when they come to a sharp curve or construction.
Texas DOT #EndTheStreakTX Campaign
Since November 7, 2000, Texas has not had one day without a fatality on the road. It’s estimated that there is an average of 10 deaths every day on Texas roadways, even though in 2019, 20 counties had no fatalities at all. The Texas DOT believes that many of the road accidents would be preventable if people would slow down, stop texting and calling while driving, and pay attention. Buckling up every time you’re in the car would slow down the number of fatalities, too. In 2019, the Texas Transportation Commission set a goal of having zero deaths on the roadways by 2050. There was hope that the pandemic would help reduce deaths, but officials do not see the numbers they had hoped for. There’s still a lot of work to be done.
How Can You Protect Yourself on the Road?
Motorists can only control their actions on the roadway, but one Texas DOT representative reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 94% of crashes are avoidable:
- Wear a seat belt.
- Drive the speed limit.
- Put away your phone or distractions.
- Do not drive when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Drive to the conditions around you.
For serious accidents due to another’s driver’s negligence, consider talking to a personal injury lawyer Houston TX who can help you decide the best steps to take in your case.
Contact CityWide Injury & Accident for help after an accident. We’ll help you get your life back and find you a personal injury attorney Houston to assess your situation and work through the legal process.
Roadway Fatalities in Texas During Pandemic | City Wide Injury & Accident – Houston, TX