Texas traffic fatality rates have dropped nearly 15% since 2006, according to a state audit of the Texas Department of Transportation released on Wednesday.
Improvements in roadway conditions and vehicle safety have contributed to this decline. Public awareness campaigns regarding drug and alcohol use, and the infamous “Click-it-or-Ticket” seat belt campaign have helped educate drivers about hazards that they can avoid. Improved enforcement like red-light cameras and higher frequency of sobriety checkpoints have made Texas roads safer.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uses a formula that compares the number of traffic fatalities to hundred million miles driven. In 2006 in Texas there were 1.5 deaths per 100 million miles driven, and in 2010 the ratio dropped to 1.29 deaths per 100 million miles driven. However, national figures show a more dramatic difference as well as lower numbers. In 2006 there were 1.42 deaths per 100 million miles, and in 2010 there were 1.11 deaths per 100 million miles. Although numbers are down both statewide and nationwide, these numbers beg the question as to why Texas remains above the national average.
Doug Shupe, a spokesman for AAA Texas, says “Drinking and driving, distracted driving, speeding, red-light running, drowsy driving and not wearing seat belts are among the most common factors for traffic fatalities in the state and the nation.” A bill last year that would have banned texting while driving was vetoed. “Although we may be moving in the right direction in some areas, there are still far too many people dying on our roadways,” Shupe added.
The Dallas auto accident attorneys at Parker McDonald, P.C. have many years of experience practicing injury law and handling a wide range of different automobile accident cases. These accident lawyers specialize in the following types of cases: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful deaths, and more. If you or someone you love have suffered serious injuries in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, contact an experienced injury lawyer for a free legal consultation.