Odessa Texas Personal Injury Law Blog

As schools begin to let out for the year, more novice teen drivers will take to the streets. Statistics show that teens are more likely to be in a fatal accident than any other age group. In fact, since 2014, there have been nearly 3,500 deaths from crashes involving teen drivers.

The number of teens in crashes rises drastically between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with AAA dubbing the period the 100 deadliest days. It’s imperative to talk to your teen children about safe driving habits to help keep them safe behind the wheel this summer.

Texas drivers have probably noticed the impact of distracted driving while on the road. Most people have probably seen another driver texting, looking at his or her phone, putting on make-up or eating while driving. These drivers are probably driving at erratic speeds, swerving and placing everyone else at an increased risk for an accident. There is clear evidence that distracted driving has had a significant impact on the overall rate of auto accidents. 

Statistics indicate that about nine people die each day in accidents related to distracted driving. In 2017, over 3,100 people died in accidents in the United States because of some form of distraction. More statistics indicate that in a significant number of fatal accidents, the driver was doing something other than driving at the time of the crash, often engaging in a distracting behavior. 

Spring in Texas means moderate temperatures and sunny days, which means there will be more people out enjoying the freedom of the open road on their motorcycles. Naturally, this means there will be an increase in the number of motorcycle accidents as well. Unfortunately, many of these accidents are preventable and are the result of motorists failing to properly share the road. 

Last year, over 400 people lost their lives in Texas in motorcycle accidents. People who ride motorcycles have the same right to be on the road as drivers of other types of vehicles, but they are much more susceptible to injury or death in the event of an accident. Even with helmets and other types of protective equipment, a biker can suffer serious harm in a collision. Failure to yield, following too closely and aggressive driving are all common reasons why motorcycle collisions happen.

Large commercial trucks and semitrailers play a vital role in the Texas economy, but they also inflict serious damage on the road. Many towns and cities in the state are dealing with damaged and crumbling roads as a result of increased truck traffic, and it can take a long time to get the necessary funds to repair them. When roads are in poor condition, it can significantly increase the chance of auto accidents.

Even though roads are built to support the weight of many different types of vehicles, growing economies can lead to more truck traffic and more truck-related road damage. Common issues include large potholes, crumbling shoulders, concrete that is cracked and more. Some lawmakers believe it can help to allow specific local municipalities to cite trucks for overloading and driving down roads not built for exceptionally heavy vehicles.