Car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence in San Antonio, and they can happen to anyone at any time. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 52,849 crashes in Bexar County in 2019, resulting in 197 fatalities and 6,269 serious injuries. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents can help you stay safe on the road and avoid becoming one of these statistics.
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in San Antonio. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 97,853 crashes involving distracted driving in Texas in 2019, resulting in 378 fatalities and 2,500 serious injuries. Activities like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving can take your eyes off the road and cause accidents. In fact, sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds, which is enough time to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph.
To avoid distracted driving, it’s important to keep your focus on the road at all times. This means avoiding any activities that take your attention away from driving, such as texting, eating, or even talking on the phone. If you need to make a call or send a message, pull over to a safe location first.
Speeding is another common cause of car accidents in San Antonio. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 42,140 crashes involving speeding in Texas in 2019, resulting in 1,237 fatalities and 8,353 serious injuries. Drivers who speed are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and crash into other cars.
To avoid speeding, it’s important to obey the posted speed limits at all times. Remember, speed limits are there for a reason – to keep you and other drivers safe on the road. Additionally, be sure to adjust your speed to match the weather and road conditions, especially during rainy or icy weather.
Drunk driving is a serious offense that can lead to severe accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 2,964 crashes involving alcohol in Bexar County in 2019, resulting in 65 fatalities and 153 serious injuries. Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and vision, making it difficult for drivers to stay in control of their vehicles.
To avoid drunk driving, it’s important to never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service to get home safely. If you see someone who appears to be driving drunk, call 911 immediately.
Reckless driving includes activities like tailgating, sudden lane changes, and failing to obey traffic signals. These actions can put other drivers at risk and cause accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 9,687 crashes involving reckless driving in Texas in 2019, resulting in 261 fatalities and 1,283 serious injuries.
To avoid reckless driving, it’s important to obey all traffic laws and signals at all times. Always signal when changing lanes or turning, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. If you encounter a reckless driver, try to move out of their way and report their behavior to law enforcement.
San Antonio is known for its unpredictable weather conditions, including heavy rains, fog, and ice. These conditions can make driving more challenging, increasing the risk of accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 6,175 crashes involving wet roads in Bexar County in 2019, resulting in 13 fatalities and 6,175 crashes involving wet roads in Bexar County in 2019, resulting in 13 fatalities and 882 serious injuries. In addition, there were 576 crashes involving fog in Bexar County in 2019, resulting in 2 fatalities and 97 serious injuries.
To avoid accidents in bad weather conditions, it’s important to slow down and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. Turn on your headlights and use your windshield wipers as needed. If the weather is too severe, consider postponing your trip until conditions improve.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in San Antonio, it’s important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney. At Denali Law, we understand the stress and frustration that come with car accidents. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal system and receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys. We are here to help you every step of the way.
In conclusion, car accidents in San Antonio are unfortunately common and can happen to anyone at any time. The most common causes of car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, and weather conditions. By understanding these causes and taking steps to avoid them, you can stay safe on the road and reduce your risk of becoming one of the many accident statistics in San Antonio. Remember to always obey traffic laws, stay focused on the road, and seek legal help if you’ve been involved in an accident.
While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call our firm or complete the intake form above.