Texas is a massive state with over 314,000 miles of highway and public roads, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). With such an extensive road system, accidents are inevitable. In recent years, Texas has seen more than half a million accidents, and according to the city and town breakdown in the recent Crashes and Injuries report Houston alone accounted for nearly 15% of them—totaling almost 70,000 incidents.
But that’s not all.
Traffic and accident data reveal that male drivers and individuals aged 16-25 are involved in more accidents. This trend continues, as shown in the annual Texas motor vehicle crash statistics report. While younger drivers and males may engage in riskier driving behaviors, there are other widespread causes of accidents that affect everyone.
Let’s dive into the most common causes of car accidents in Texas and what you can do to stay safe.
1. Speeding
We’ve probably all exceeded the speed limit at some point—whether due to running late or simply not paying attention on the highway. But here’s the problem:
Speeding has been identified as a contributing factor in nearly 150,000 Texas accidents in recent years.
Why does this happen?
- The faster you drive, the less control you have over your vehicle.
- Speeding reduces your reaction time to sudden dangers.
- Higher speeds create a greater force of impact, leading to severe injuries.
The solution?
If you find yourself getting too comfortable with high speeds, try setting cruise control or reminding yourself that a speeding ticket—or worse, a crash—will delay you far more than driving at the speed limit.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous causes of car accidents. According to cognitive science researcher Dr. David Strayer, using a cell phone while driving can be as dangerous driving drunk.
“The impairments associated with using a cell phone while driving can be as profound as those associated with driving drunk. – David Strayer, PhD ‘A Comparison of the cell phone driver and the drunk driver’
What qualifies as a distraction?
- Phone use (texting, calling, or browsing)
- Lost in thought (daydreaming while driving)
- Eating or drinking (grabbing a quick breakfast on your morning commute)
- Passenger distractions (talking to kids, pets, or other passengers)
Texas distracted driving laws require drivers to minimize distractions. Keep your phone out of reach and use hands-free options like Bluetooth or CarPlay. Set your navigation and playlist before you hit the road and avoid emotionally charged conversations while driving.
3. Tailgating
Tailgating is more than just poor driving etiquette—it’s one of the leading causes of rear-end collisions.
Why is it so dangerous?
- The closer you are to the car in front of you, the less time you have to react.
- Sudden braking can lead to multi-car pileups on highways.
- Rear-end collisions often cause whiplash, spinal injuries, and head trauma.
How can you prevent it?
Follow these safety rules:
- Keep at least two seconds of following distance under 30 mph.
- For speeds above 30 mph, increase your distance to four seconds.
- Some experts recommend keeping one second of distance per 10 mph for better safety.
A safe following distance gives you more time to react and prevents unnecessary collisions.
4. Improper Lane Changes
Switching lanes seems simple, but failure to do it correctly causes thousands of accidents every year.
According to Page 21 of the Texas Driver Handbook, when changing lanes:
- You must yield to vehicles already in the lane you’re moving into.
- Drivers moving left must be cautious of those merging right at the same time.
Why do lane-change accidents happen?
- Failing to check blind spots
- Changing lanes too quickly
- Speeding while merging
- Not using turn signals
A simple fix: Always check your mirrors, turn your head to check blind spots, and signal your lane change well in advance. Stay aware of other drivers who may be merging without checking first.
5. Failure to Stop
Running a stop sign or red light is more common than you think—and it’s extremely dangerous.
TxDOT’s accident reports cite failure to stop at stop signs, stop lights, or ignoring a stop-and-go signal as the cause of more than 50,000 accidents annually in Texas.
Why do drivers fail to stop?
- Distraction (not paying attention to signals)
- Speeding (unable to stop in time)
- Rushing (impatient drivers trying to beat a red light)
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), solutions like properly timed signal changes and red-light cameras help reduce these incidents.
But ultimately, safe driving habits are the best way to prevent accidents.
6. Driving Under the Influence
The dangers of driving under the influence (DUI) are well-known, yet DUI-related crashes remain alarmingly common.
In 2022, TxDOT reported 17,395 DUI-related crashes and injuries.
What substances contribute to impaired driving?
- Alcohol
- Illicit drugs
- Prescription medications
Here’s how to stay safe:
- Use a designated driver if you plan to drink.
- Call a rideshare service instead of getting behind the wheel.
- Follow prescription warnings to ensure your medications don’t impair your ability to drive.
Staying Safe on Texas Roads
The majority of Texas car accidents can be prevented by practicing safe driving habits. The Texas DOT recommends the following:
- Adjust your speed to match road conditions.
- Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.
- Use turn signals to indicate lane changes.
- Stop completely at red lights and stop signs.
Being aware of your surroundings and following these rules can help you avoid causing an accident and protect yourself from other drivers’ mistakes.
Contact Us Today for the Support You Deserve
Car accident injuries can turn your life upside down. If your crash was caused by another driver’s mistake, you deserve strong legal support.
Handling an insurance claim or civil lawsuit while recovering from injuries can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
At Dax F. Garza Law P.C., our Texas trial lawyers are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you need. We offer free case consultations to evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action.
Don’t wait—protect your rights today. Contact us now for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice you deserve.
