Houston has the highest number of vehicle accidents. This is according to the latest Texas Department of Transportation reports. It has the highest number compared to any other city in Texas. Also, many sources are referring to it as the deadliest city in Texas in terms of vehicle accidents across the USA. Each year, approximately 66,950 vehicle accidents are reported.
This is a high figure, especially considering that the second-highest crash city in Texas, which is Dallas, records about 35,355 per year. For the most recent year, about 3,896 vehicle accident victims died in various crashes across Houston. This number of fatalities represented about a 7.54% increase in the number of road accident-related fatalities for the previous year.
Also, there were approximately 12,107 serious injury accidents in the same year, elevating the number of serious injuries to 14,656. So, out of these thousands of vehicle accidents, you might be wondering, what is the most common cause? Read further to discover the main causes of these accidents and how a top-rated vehicle accident attorney can help.
Poor Road Designs
From decades ago, poor road design decisions like challenging to navigate curves on old freeways such as Loop 610 and Interstate 69, are partly responsible for the increasing number of road accidents in Houston.
Additionally, on the frontage roads parallel to Interstate 10, vehicles can appear from any direction. That means drivers who don’t keep a careful eye on the road have a higher risk of experiencing a crash. Undeniably, 9% of vehicle accidents in that area occur on frontage roads.
Houston Has Many Confusing Intersections
There’re numerous shopping center entrances on Houston roads, especially along FM 1960 and Westheimer, which are popular with accidents. Most drivers involved in accidents find these intersections confusing.
That’s why they cause car accidents. Between 2020 and 2024, 37% of vehicle collisions in Houston occurred on interstates. These crashes represented more than 25% of fatalities from car crashes over that period.
Suburban Development
Over the last few decades, Suburban development in Houston has significantly altered how motorists utilize farm-to-market roads. For example, most of them currently speed along FM 1960.
As they speed, they have to suddenly slam brakes on to avoid motorists who are making turns. Not all drivers brake in time in these circumstances, meaning accidents are sure to take place. A dozen deaths have been reported on the FM 1960 alone in the past year.
High-Speed Limits in Houston
Houston experiences high congestion problems. So, many roads have higher speed limits compared to other cities in Texas and the country. On apportion of the Grand Parkway, for example, the speed limit is 75 mph. Increasing the speed limits on Houston roads has helped reduce congestion. But it has also resulted in more accidents.
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Can an Experienced Houston Car Accident Lawyer Help?
When involved in a Houston vehicle accident, a knowledgeable lawyer can help. A Houston car accident lawyer has what it takes, including skills and experience, to help you seek just settlement or compensation. You could effortlessly get reimbursement to cover your costs, from pain and suffering to lost wages and medical bills.
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