Truck accidents are a significant concern in Texas due to the state’s extensive highway system and critical role in the nation’s economy. Texas truck accident statistics can shed light on the frequency and causes of these collisions.
How Many Trucking Accidents Occur in Texas Annually?
In one recent year, 38,909 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes occurred in Texas. Comparatively, nationwide statistics for the same year reveal a total of 151,399 truck accidents throughout the U.S. This means Texas truck accidents accounted for approximately 25.7 percent of the national total.
Which Texas Counties Have the Highest Number of Accidents?
Truck wrecks were unfortunately common throughout Texas. However, certain counties were more affected than others. The following data reveals the top five counties with the highest numbers of truck accidents that year:
- Harris County – Harris County ranks first with a staggering 6,113 truck accidents near Houston.
- Dallas County – Dallas County is second with 3,871 CMV accidents.
- Bexar County – Bexar County takes the third spot with 2,460 truck wrecks near San Antonio.
- Tarrant County – Tarrant County is fourth with 1,866 semi-truck accidents in the Fort Worth area.
- El Paso County – El Paso County is fifth with 1,013 truck accidents near the border with Mexico.
How Many of the Yearly Truck Accidents in Texas Result in a Fatality?
Texas recorded 549 fatal truck accidents statewide. These fatal accidents resulted in 620 deaths. With a total of 38,909 truck crashes for the year, approximately 1.41 percent of all Texas truck accidents resulted in fatalities.
How Many Truck Accidents Result in a Serious Injury?
Texas also recorded 1,350 suspected serious truck accidents, resulting in a total of 1,687 suspected serious injuries statewide. This means approximately 3.47 percent of all Texas truck accidents may have resulted in serious injuries.
What Are the Most Common Reasons Texas Truck Accidents Happen?
Texas truck wrecks often involve numerous contributing factors, many of which are preventable. Here are some of the reasons why commercial vehicle accidents are so common in Texas:
- Lots of oil and gas trucks – Texas has a significant number of trucks transporting oil and gas due to its prominent role in the energy sector. Many trucks on the road carry hazardous materials, increasing the likelihood of severe collisions. These trucks often travel long distances through rural and urban areas to reach drilling sites or refineries. This high volume of heavy, sometimes poorly maintained vehicles on the road contributes to the high incidence of truck accidents in the state.
- Large highway network – Texas boasts more roadway miles than any other state in the country, and this extensive highway system sees plenty of truck traffic. The sheer number of vehicles on these roads, combined with high speed limits, creates a dangerous environment for truck drivers and other motorists. Long stretches of road can also lead to driver fatigue, increasing crash risk.
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving is a significant problem among truck drivers in Texas. Many drivers use their phones, eat, or do other activities while driving, taking their attention off the road. Given commercial trucks’ massive size and weight, even a momentary lapse in driver concentration can lead to serious crashes. Distracted driving reduces reaction times, making responding to sudden changes in traffic conditions harder.
- Speeding – Speeding contributes to many large truck accidents in Texas. Truck drivers often face tight delivery schedules, pressuring them to exceed speed limits. High speeds reduce a driver’s ability to stop quickly and maneuver safely around other vehicles. Speeding also makes it more difficult to control large vehicles and increases the severity of collisions when they occur.
- Poor driving conditions – Poor road and weather conditions frequently lead to CMV accidents. Texas experiences a variety of weather, from heavy rain and flooding to occasional ice and snow in some regions. Bad weather makes roads slippery and reduces visibility, making it harder for truck drivers to maintain control if they aren’t paying close attention. Potholes, construction zones, and poorly maintained roads further exacerbate the problem in many areas.
- Driving under the influence – Driving under the influence or while impaired (DUI/DWI) poses another significant risk. Some truck drivers use alcohol or drugs to cope with long hours and stressful working conditions. Impaired driving reduces coordination, reaction times, and judgment, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions. The presence of impaired drivers on the road endangers everyone.
What Can I Do to Keep Myself Safe on the Road?
Sharing the road with large trucks can be daunting. These vehicles have unique characteristics and limitations, so driving carefully around them is important to avoid crashes. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or road-tripping, here are some practical tips to help you stay safe:
- Follow at a safe distance – Trucks require long stopping distances, so give them plenty of space.
- Avoid blind spots – If you can’t see the driver in their mirror, they likely can’t see you.
- Pass trucks safely – Always pass trucks on the left side, where the driver can see you more easily.
- Don’t cut in front of trucks – After passing, make sure you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before merging back into the lane.
- Use your signals early – Signal your intentions well in advance so truck drivers have time to react.
- Be patient – Trucks often need to make wide turns, so give them plenty of time to maneuver.
- Don’t tailgate – Following too closely reduces your visibility and gives you less time to react.
- Stay alert – Pay close attention to the road and avoid distractions like using your phone.
- Plan your passes on hills and curves – Trucks lose speed on uphill climbs and gain speed going downhill. Plan your passes accordingly and use extra caution.
Contact a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer
Contact The Wilhite Law Firm today if you have suffered injuries in a Texas truck accident. We can answer your questions and help you explore your options in a free consultation session.
