In Texas, vehicle crash data for 2023 shows that a reportable crash occurred every 56 seconds, resulting in over 250,000 injuries and 15,227 serious injury crashes, highlighting the significant impact of road incidents across the state. A total of 4,291 people lost their lives; that is about one death every 2 hours. The fatality rate is 1.42 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles travelled. Single-vehicle run-off-road crashes accounted for 1,366 deaths, followed by 1,121 fatalities in intersection-related crashes and 635 deaths from head-on collisions. Alcohol-related crashes caused 1,127 deaths, making up roughly 26% of all fatalities, while distracted driving contributed to 403 deaths. Vulnerable road users were also heavily affected, with 810 pedestrian deaths, 106 bicyclist fatalities and 600 motorcyclist deaths, of which 40% involved riders who were not wearing helmets. Rural areas accounted for the majority of fatalities with 2,228 deaths or about 52% of the total. Notably, there were no deathless days in Texas during 2023, with the highest number of DUI-related crashes occurring between 2:00 and 2:59 AM-particularly on Sundays-and the deadliest months being June and August.
Cars were involved in 1,226 fatalities, accounting for 29% of all traffic deaths in Texas.
Motorcycles were involved in 598 fatalities, representing 14% of all traffic deaths.
Light trucks and SUVs had the highest involvement, accounting for 1,341 fatalities or 31% of all traffic deaths.
Buses and public transportation were involved in 105 fatalities, making up 2% of all traffic deaths.
Semi/Tractor Trailers were involved in 107 fatalities, representing 2% of all traffic deaths.
Pedestrians accounted for 800 fatalities, making up 19% of all traffic deaths in Texas.
Highest fatalities per mile, heavy congestion (Houston-Dallas corridor)
Constant construction, high traffic, frequent multi-vehicle crashes
Long distance, heavy truck traffic, speeding on rural stretches
Rural isolation, high speeds, poor lighting, delayed emergency response
Extremely high-speed limit (up to 85 mph), high-speed fatal crashes
Single vehicle fatal car accidents occur on rural roads and highways.
of fatal car accidents in Texas happen in rural areas.
Multiple vehicle fatal car accidents occur in urban counties (especially Harris County, Dallas County).
of fatal car accidents in Texas happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
In Texas, it is illegal to drive without windshield wipers. The funny part comes when you realize that there is no state law mandating you to have an actual windshield.
In San Antonio, Texas, it is illegal to flick your cigarette butt out of a car window - a law that is both sensible and strictly enforced, especially during the scorching dry Texas summers!
The state has an electronic message ban prohibiting drivers from reading or writing electronic messages while driving. While we can all agree that distracted driving laws are very important and can help save lives, this one is oddly specific.
The state requires you to use your vehicle’s parking brake when the car is parked. This law is often ignored and generally is not enforced; however, it has remained on the books for a very long time.
Texas law prohibits driving on a sidewalk, which seems obvious until you visit Houston during rush hour traffic and start to understand the temptation!
In Texas, it is illegal to sell your eye while driving. It’s hard to believe, but yes, this is a real law, and it serves as a firm reminder that some Texans apparently needed to be told not to conduct organ sales behind the wheel!
Texas law requires that when two vehicles meet on a narrow mountain road, the vehicle going downhill must yield to the one going uphill. This sensible rule can become quite the adventure on the winding roads of Big Bend National Park!
Driving with a dirty license plate can get you a ticket in Texas. The state has a law mandating that the license plate be clearly visible and not obstructed by dirt or any type of cover.
It is illegal to coast downhill with your transmission in neutral in Texas. This law requires the operators of any motor vehicle, including cars, buses and trucks, to keep the vehicle in gear while going downhill. Coasting in neutral downhill does not have the advantage of engine braking and can pose a significant safety risk on public roadways.