In Texas and across the nation, there is a love-hate relationship with holiday driving. People want to see family and friends and share in the joy of the holiday season. However, driving can be an arduous task and there are inherent dangers whenever a person takes to the road. The holidays are especially worrisome because more people are driving back and forth and there is a chance that some will be under the influence, behave recklessly, drive drowsy, speed and commit other violations that raise the chance of a crash. Everyone should be cognizant of this.
Texas in the top five for most fatal crashes at year’s end
Statistics are compiled to assess the possibility of an auto accident and Texas was high on the list for fatal crashes during Christmas and New Year’s. According to HelpAdvisor’s analysis of fatal collision rates for every 100,000 drivers between 2015 and 2019, Texas came in fifth in the nation. It led the nation in fatal accidents in which impairment was involved.
Of the fatal accidents, more than 44% were categorized in this way with drivers registering a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit of 0.08%. Nationally, one-third of fatal accidents are connected to impairment. Despite these worrisome numbers, Texans are still getting behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs during the year. BuyAutoInsurance.com did a study of its own. Released in July 2021, it found that Texas was fourth for the most drunk driving fatalities.
Holiday auto accidents can cause long-term damage and death
No one is expecting to be in a motor vehicle accident when they head out on the road, regardless of the time of year. Unfortunately, people are injured and lose their lives in collisions every day. During the holidays, these statistics show the potential for an accident is significantly worse than it is during the rest of the year. Texas is specifically identified as a high-risk state for these accidents. The litany of problems that arise after an auto accident must be addressed. This includes physical, emotional and financial challenges. Analyzing the circumstances of the case, accruing evidence and planning a strategy may require guidance. Discussing the case with those who are experienced in personal injury can be essential.