Car accidents are the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. But we can’t effectively prevent car accidents unless we know why they happen. The attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek are committed to doing what we can to make Texas roads safer. Our families drive the same roads that yours do.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Texas
Distracted Driving
A driver doesn’t have to be drunk or speeding to cause a deadly accident. Sometimes all it takes is glancing down at a cell phone.
The leading cause of car accidents in Texas and across America is distracted driving. According to the state Department of Transportation, distracted driving is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 accidents in Texas – adding up to more than 100,000 crashes and 450+ deaths in 2014.
When you take your eyes off the road for any reason, the result can be disastrous. It’s scary to think that a simple, brief mistake can have such consequences, but it can.
Laws in Texas limit cell phone use while behind the wheel primarily to new drivers and bus drivers, but you should also avoid using your phone while driving. If it’s urgent, pull off to the side of the road to use your phone or, better yet, wait until you come to a parking lot.
Drunk Driving
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Harris County had the dubious distinction of leading Texas in drunk-driving crashes in 2011 and 2012. In some years, the Houston area leads the nation in drunk driving accidents. The percentage of accident deaths due to alcohol-related causes in Harris County is twice the national average.
We don’t need to tell you why it’s a terrible idea to get behind the wheel after drinking. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have delayed reaction times and diminished coordination. They can create a hazard for other drivers and fail to avoid hazards themselves. When a drunk driver causes an accident that hurts others, that driver needs to be held accountable.
Speeding
Speed limits are established for a good reason – the faster you are driving, the less time you will have to react. If it takes you one second to react, your car will have gone twice as far in that second at 60 miles per hour as it would have at 30 miles per hour.
Reckless Driving
Speeding isn’t the only reckless behavior that can lead to a serious crash. When drivers disregard traffic signals, weave in and out of lanes and drive aggressively, they aren’t just putting themselves at risk – they’re risking the safety of everyone on the road.
When another driver’s recklessness causes you or a loved one serious harm in an accident, our attorneys know how to hold the driver accountable.
Adverse Weather Conditions
The posted speed limit is intended for ideal weather situations. In cases of rain, snow, heavy wind and more, you will need to adjust your speed accordingly. Slow down and put more space between your car and the car in front of you than you normally would. Especially on long trips, pay attention to the weather forecast and try to plan accordingly. There’s no need to drive in terrible weather if you don’t need to.
Another common cause of Texas car accident is driver error.