Message Us
Call Us Traffic Deaths, Injuries in Texas Have Jumped 20 Percent
By Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP on February 23, 2017
In 2015, Texas had the highest number of car accident deaths out of all 50 states, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Unfortunately, the number of traffic fatalities in Texas was even higher in 2016, as 3,757 people lost their lives in 3,390 accidents.
There were also 175,347 accidents that resulted in injuries to 263,536 people in 2016.
This is part of a disturbing trend in which traffic deaths and injuries in Texas have increased by 20 percent since 2011 after decades of decline.
This mirrors a nationwide trend of increasing traffic fatalities, which includes pedestrians and those riding motorcycles and bicycles.
Police in Texas believe several factors have played a role in the increase in deaths and injuries on our roadways:
- Speeding – Some parts of the state have higher speed limits than others, creating more opportunities for serious accidents.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol– Texas led the nation in drunk driving deaths in 2015, with California a distant second.
- Distracted driving – Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds can cause an accident or prevent you from making a maneuver to avoid an accident, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- Failing to wear a seat belt – NHTSA statistics reveal that nearly 50 percent of automobile passengers who lost their lives in accidents were not wearing their seat belts.
Other factors contributing to traffic fatalities and injuries in Texas include population growth, a stable economy and lower gas prices, which have increased the number of drivers on our state’s roadways.
DPS’ goal is to go one day without a fatal crash on a Texas roadway before Nov. 7. There has not been one traffic-fatality-free day in Texas since 2000.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an automobile crash, the Fort Worth car accident lawyers of Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP will fight for justice on your behalf. Our personal injury attorneys may be able to secure fair compensation for physical, financial and emotional damages.
Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form today.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
Recent Blog Posts
What Happens If a Pedestrian Caused an Accident? Legal and Practical Considerations
February 25, 2026
A pedestrian can face legal and financial responsibility when pedestrian actions directly trigger a collision, although Texas law still evaluates every party’s conduct before assigning fault. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, we often speak with Fort Worth residents asking what happens if a pedestrian caused an accident , especially...
Read Article
What to Do If Someone Sues You for a Car Accident in Texas
September 26, 2025
Being sued after a crash is one of those situations nobody expects, and when it happens, it can feel overwhelming. You may worry about your finances, your reputation, and how to even begin responding. Many Texans search for what to do if someone sues you for a car accident in...
Read Article
What Is a Rolling Stop and Why Is It Illegal in Texas?
August 22, 2025
Drivers across Texas may not even realize they’re doing it, but what is a rolling stop? It’s when a vehicle slows down at a stop sign or red light but doesn’t completely halt before entering the intersection. It might feel like a minor shortcut, especially when there appears to be...
Read ArticleRequest a Free Case Evaluation
Tell us about your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer from our team will call and provide you with a free evaluation of your case. If we can help, and you are unable to travel, we will come to your home, office, or hospital. It’s easy – let’s get started.
Email Us Anytime
Email us anytime and we will get back to you.
We’ll Come To You
Our attorneys will come to your home, office or hospital at your convenience.
Available 24/7
Our team is ready and waiting to help you today.
