There was at least one traffic fatality each day in Texas beginning in November 2000, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Tragically, TxDOT said that many of the deaths from these personal injury car accidents over this 20-year period may have been avoided.
Tragic anniversary
TxDOT marked Nov. 7 as the 20th year where at least one fatal accident occurred each day in the state. Over 70,000 people were killed in these accidents. Fatalities were not limited to motorists and their passengers but also involved pedestrians.
TxDOT released other sobering statistics. On average, 10 people die each day in vehicle accidents in Texas.
Earlier this year, there was a drop in traffic in Texas because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traffic decreased by 44 percent in some parts of the state which led to TxDOT to predict that this fatal 20-year long streak would end. This dangerous trend, however, continued even though there was less traffic.
Prevention
There were 20 counties in Texas that had no traffic fatalities in 2019. Accordingly, these deaths are not inevitable and may be prevented.
Motorists should not engage in distractions such as talking on the phone or texting and driving, drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol or exceed speed limits. Drivers must always beware of the road conditions and wear their seatbelts.
Last year, the Texas Transportation Commission announced a new goal of cutting traffic fatalities in half by 2035 and to zero by 2050. The state will also have to invest in enforcement and road infrastructure to achieve this goal.
Victims of an accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver and their families may be entitled to compensation or damages for their losses and expenses. An attorney can help them obtain evidence and file a lawsuit within the legally required time.