Safety organization, Road Safe America, releases annual statistics of fatal truck crashes across the nation. Texas consistently has the greatest numbers, followed distantly by California. In Tarrant and Dallas counties in 2018, there were more than 6,000 crashes involving 18-wheelers killing more than 60 people and injuring thousands more.
What makes Texas highways so much more dangerous when it comes to fatal truck accidents than any other state? Here are a few factors that play a large part:
Size and Population
With some of the most populated cities in the U.S., it’s obvious that there will be more cars on the road than in other states. This makes it much more likely that accidents will occur.
Location
Texas’ central location means traffic is coming from several different directions. It also has one of the largest and busiest seaports, which depends on containerized shipping.
Fracking
The oil and fracking industries have increased the truck traffic in Texas, especially in south and northeastern parts of the state. The roads in rural areas were not built to support heavy truck traffic, and the drilling boom is taking its toll on the roads and people who use them.
Driver Shortage
Because trucking companies are short on drivers, they have to rely on overworked employees. The result of this is truckers struggling to stay alert and awake while driving long hours. Companies may also overlook drivers with prior safety violations or hire inexperience drivers because they are desperate to meet delivery schedules.
While big rigs help to keep our economy strong, they have an imposing presence on our highways due their weight and size. As truck accidents continue to claim the lives of thousands of people each year, defensive driving becomes more important. It’s not feasible to totally eliminate the possibility of a crash, but motorists can greatly reduce the risk of being involved in a serious accident by taking a few extra precautions.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Area Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in Texas, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to help right away. Contact us online, or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free consultation.We help personal injury clients throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas.
At Parker Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe people matter. We are committed to our clients, not case numbers, and we believe in the power of the civil justice system. With years spent both representing accident victims and participating in the state legislative process, our founder, Brad Parker, has developed a deep understanding of the law and gained unique experience that helps him get results for his clients.
