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Car accident statistics in Texas leads to safety campaign

by | Feb 14, 2014 | Car Accidents |

According to a recent report, Texas has approximately 79,000 miles of roadways spread across the state. With Texas being the second largest state in the country, these roads cover a variety of terrains, each creating different challenges for drivers. Recent car accident statistics show that the number of crashes resulting in death or injury has been increasing over the years, and this information has led to the state starting a safety campaign.

In 2012, a total of 3,399 people died as a result of car accidents, which is an increase of 10.8 percent comparative to 2011’s number. Also in 2012, a total of 63,610 crashes occurred that resulted in 87,087 people suffering from serious injuries. These accidents occurred in several types of road and weather conditions including heavy traffic, road construction areas, rain, snow, fog and ice.

Because of these sobering statistics, the Texas Department of Transportation has started a safety campaign to remind drivers of the importance of driving appropriately for the current conditions. General safety tips include wearing a seat belt and checking weather reports before leaving home. Winter weather driving tips include slowing down, increasing following distance and brake gently to help avoid sliding. In any bad weather turn on headlights.

These simple reminders could help save people from injury or death in a car accident. If a driver fails to drive appropriately for the current road conditions and an accident occurs that results in injury or death to another, they could be held liable for the incident. Those who have been injured or lost a loved on in such an accident may be able to successfully file either a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the driver responsible. If liability is confirmed, a Texas civil court could grant financial compensation to the victims or their family members for the damages that have been done as a result.

Source: gilmermirror.com, Drive to Conditions, No author, February 13, 2014

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