Texas Injury Lawyers Blog
The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), in conjunction with the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS), issued a bone chilling statement this week. It has been 12 years since there was a day that went by without a single traffic fatality on our Texas roads. That day was Wednesday, November 7, 2000.
Since then, over the last 4,383 days there have been 41,252 people killed on Texas roadways. That is almost 10 fatalities a day and the total of 41,252 deaths is approximately the population of San Marcos.
According to TXDOT officials, the primary reasons for the fatalities occurring on our 80,000 miles of state roadways were drinking and driving, distracted driving and not wearing seat belts. TXDOT Executive Director, Phil Wilson, said “One fatality on a Texas roadway is one too many, and to see as many as eight or 10 in a single day is unacceptable.”
Statistics reveal that there were 3,048 fatalities in 2011 alone, with the causes listed as follows:
• 28.9% of the fatalities resulted from not wearing seat belts
• 34.9% of the fatalities were due to drinking and driving
• 13.4% of the fatalities were caused by driver distraction (talking on the phone, texting, etc.)
Part of TXDOT’s effort to drive the safe driving message home has been to display the number of fatalities on huge message signs along Texas highways. So far, there have been 2,545 deaths on Texas roadways in 2012. These numbers are updated on a monthly basis.
TXDOT offers these simple rules for saving lives and reducing the number of fatalities on our roadways:
• Buckle Up
• Pay attention
• Put the smart phone away so you won’t talk or text
• Never drink and drive
• Use the left lane only for passing
• Obey all traffic laws
TXDOT and TDPS have asked all citizens to please do their part to keep our Texas roadways safe. Adding to the dangers that already have existed on our roadways is the 85 miles per hour speed limit on portions of our state highways. Many vehicles or not safe going that fast and their drivers are not prepared to react under those conditions. Remember, only you can help save lives.
If you or someone you know have suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones due to traffic fatalities, you need to seek the advice of an experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer.
At Carabin Shaw, our attorneys have represented clients throughout the state who have suffered catastrophic injuries and tragic wrongful deaths. Our attorneys and experienced staff have helped guide clients just like you through difficult and uncertain times for more than 15 years.
Contact us through our website or call us direct on our toll free line at (800) 862-1260 to schedule a confidential, no obligation consultation. We will discuss the facts of you particular case and explain what options are available to you.
We do handle cases on a contingency basis. This assures you that you will only have to pay us a fee if we make a recovery for you.
Other Resources:
Motorists urged to boost safety as Texas marks 12 years of daily fatalities on roadways, Palestine Herald-Press, November 8, 2012
Related Blog Posts:
Fatal Accidents Increase In Eagle Ford Shale Region , Texas Injury Lawyers Blog, November 5, 2012
MADD Issues Safe Driving Tips for Memorial Day Weekend in Texas, Nationwide , Texas Injury Lawyers Blog, May 22, 2012