In Texas, semi-truck accidents are still a major cause of injury and death.
As the number of commercial vehicles on the road increases, so will the fatalities and injuries associated with these types of accidents. All passenger car drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions when driving near large trucks. Doing so can help reduce the number of Texas semi truck accident fatalities in 2022 and beyond.
Texas Truck Accident Statistics
Texas lawmakers are taking steps to make roads safer for all drivers. In 2021, Texas passed a law that requires trucking companies to install forward-facing cameras on all their vehicles to capture footage of the road ahead. The addition of cameras will allow law enforcement to identify unsafe driving behaviors more quickly and potentially reduce Texas semi truck accident fatalities in 2022.
To prevent semi-truck accidents, passenger vehicle drivers should:
– Give all commercial vehicles plenty of space when passing and be aware of their movements.
– Change lanes to increase the space between your vehicle and larger vehicles.
– Drive defensively at all times and be aware of your surroundings.
– Obey the speed limit and do not drive aggressively, especially when larger vehicles share the road
– Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
By following these tips, passenger car drivers can help make roads safer and reduce motor vehicle accident fatalities in 2022.
Semi-Truck Collisions on Texas Roadways
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were an estimated 5,620 semi-truck accidents in the state of Texas in 2022. These collisions accounted for 6.7% of all motor vehicle-related accidents on Texas roads and highways. Of these, 928 fatal crashes resulted in 1,228 fatalities—a rate nearly twice the national average. Injuries related to semi truck accidents were also higher in Texas, with an estimated 4,804 people injured in crashes involving large commercial vehicles.
Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Semi-Trucks
The most common causes of motor vehicle accidents involving semi trucks include:
- Drowsy drivers (34%)
- Distracted drivers (19%)
- Improper loading of cargo (15%)
- Excessive speed (12%)
Other contributing factors of motor vehicle crashes include:
- Careless driving
- Poor traffic conditions
- Dangerous roads
- Alcohol and drug use
- Vehicle maintenance issues
- Inclement weather
- Aggressive drivers
- Risky driving
State officials continue to work on improving commercial truck safety regulations to reduce the number of commercial vehicle collisions.
Increase in Road Congestion Will Lead to a Rise in Fatal Truck Accidents in the Future
TxDOT reports that Texas roads are becoming increasingly congested. This increased congestion will lead to more commercial vehicle accidents and traffic fatalities. To address this issue, Texas officials have implemented many initiatives to reduce traffic levels and improve safety for all drivers.
These safety measures include:
- Increasing enforcement of speed limits
- Traffic laws providing better infrastructure for commercial vehicle operators
- Implementing new technologies to improve communication between Texas drivers and commercial vehicles.
Most Dangerous Highways in Texas
Texas has some of the most dangerous highways in the nation. According to Texas semi-truck accident statistics for 2022, the Lone Star State saw over 40 fatal truck crashes involving large trucks.
The top most dangerous highways in Texas are:
- Interstate 10
- U.S. Route 83
- International Boulevard
These roads have seen some of the highest semi-truck accidents. This is due to high volumes of traffic and narrow lanes, which makes it difficult for large trucks to maneuver safely.
Interstate 10 is especially hazardous. The interstate’s long stretches become congested, easily. This leads to high-speed collisions between commercial and passenger vehicles.
Interstate 45 is also dangerous due to its proximity to Houston’s heavily populated suburbs.
U.S. Route 83 is notorious for frequent accidents involving semi-trucks in West Texas.
Interstate 35 (I-35) Interstate is another dangerous area, according to truck accident statistics. Interstate 35, one of the longest highways in the country. Semi-trucks heavily travel this highway, transporting goods between major cities, and its winding turns can easily lead to truck crashes.
Interstate 20 is known for its high rates of fatal and injury-producing collisions involving large vehicles, due to the sharp curves along this route.
Overall, Texas is home to some of the most dangerous highways in the country.
These highways are very congested, with cars and commercial trucks often competing for the limited space available. It is important for all professional truck drivers to remain vigilant and take extra caution when driving on any highway in Texas.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. By filing a truck accident claim, you can obtain compensation for hospital bills, funeral costs, burial costs, loss of household income, loss of love and guidance, and more. An attorney with experience in truck collisions will know how to handle this type of case. A truck accident investigation can be complex. In many cases, this type of accident will involve multiple liable parties. A Houston truck accident lawyer can hold the at-fault party or parties responsible for the truck-crash related death and help you recover the compensation you and your family deserve due to the unexpected loss of a loved one.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck in Texas, the Moore Law Firm can help. We understand how complicated these types of cases can be. Our team is here to provide you with the legal representation and guidance you need. The truck accident attorneys at the Moore Law Firm have worked on numerous semi-truck accident cases throughout the state. Our attorneys can provide the assistance you need during this difficult time. We understand how life-altering these accidents can be. Our legal team of dedicated attorneys is here to help guide you through the entire process. Don’t wait any longer. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.