Highway safety ratings in Texas are among the worst in the nation

February 09, 2013

Maybe it was the 85 miles-per-hour speed limit change last year or the governor's veto of a statewide ban on texting while driving. No matter, a recent study shows that Texas has one of the lowest ratings in the nation for highway safety.

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety alliance issues a highway and auto safety report each year. Their tenth issue, The 2013 Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws, compiles data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, ranking them according to performance based on 15 recommended traffic safety laws. Some of the basic safety laws include such issues as:
- Texting while driving
- Teen driver licensing and restrictions
- Seat belt and booster seat use
- Drugged and drunk driving
- Motorcycle helmet requirements

Of the 15 safety issues measured in the report, only seven are addressed by Texas laws.

Texas legislators and agencies are working to take up the slack by reintroducing a texting ban for the 2013 legislative session and increasing awareness of various campaigns involving drunk driving, seatbelt use, proper child restraint and motorcycle safety. However, these measures may be too little too late for people who drive within the state.

Fatal motor vehicle accidents in Texas

Not one day has passed without a fatal accident on Texas highways since November of 2000: that is over 12 years of daily, deadly car accidents. In 2011, 3,016 individuals were killed in motor vehicle accidents on Texas roads, by far the highest number of deaths in the country that year; only one other state had more than 2,500 and one other had more than 2,000. Five additional states barely had more than 1,000 motor vehicle deaths in the same year.

Despite the statistics, the state is accused of being slow to adopt safety measures recommended by the alliance and by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The organizations claim there is a direct link between the number of fatalities and the failure of the state to adopt laws that protect motorists.

The Texas Department of Transportation claims that drivers hold the keys to driving safety but drivers have no control over other motorists. One reckless driver can endanger hundreds, if not thousands, of others on the road each day. No one wants their rights to use their cellphones or to drive fast limited by state laws, but small mistakes or brief distractions can mean life or death to drivers and passengers alike.

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident in Texas, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Not only may you be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, you may also be able to receive payment for pain and suffering, disfigurement and scarring, physical and emotional impairment and to recoup lost wages.

Article provided by Law Office of Ruben Ortiz
Visit us at www.rubenortizlaw.com