The Houston Chronicle recently compiled location data and other relevant information of more than 600,000 fatal traffic accidents in the United States from 2001 to 2016. They used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). After analyzing the data, the Houston Chronicle determined that Houston drivers and roads are some of the nation’s most deadly.
Which Metropolitan Areas Did the Houston Chronicle Analyze?
The Houston Chronicle analyzed fatal traffic accidents within the 12 largest metropolitan areas by population. They used population data from the 2017 Census Bureau. These metropolitan areas include:
- Dallas
- Houston
- Phoenix
- Philadelphia
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Atlanta
- Washington D.C.
- San Francisco
- Miami
- Boston
- New York
Nine counties make up Houston’s metropolitan area. These counties include:
- Austin County
- Brazoria County
- Chambers County
- Fort Bend County
- Galveston County
- Harris County
- Liberty County
- Montgomery County
- Waller County
Types of Fatal Traffic Accidents
Fatal traffic accidents were divided into 12 categories to distinguish type of accident. These categories include:
- Total fatalities
- Pedestrian fatalities
- Bicyclist fatalities
- Fatalities where speed was cited as primary factor
- Fatalities on the national highway system
- DUI-related fatalities
- Drug-related fatalities
- Fatalities involving more than one death
- Fatalities involving heavy trucks
- Fatalities at roadway intersections
- Fatalities where traffic congestion was cited as a factor
- Fatalities related to road rage incidents or police chases
You can learn more about how the Houston Chronicle compiled their data and analyzed it in their article.
Houston Fatal Traffic Accident Statistics
The Houston Chronicle found that out of the 12 largest metropolitan regions in the country, Houston ranked:
- First in DUI-related and drug-related fatalities
- Second for fatalities on the national highway system
- Second for fatalities where speed was cited as primary factor
- Second for fatalities where traffic congestion was cited as a factor
Causes of Fatal Accidents in Houston
According to the Houston Chronicle, many factors contribute to Houston’s deadly roads. These factors include:
- Long commutes. According to the Houston Chronicle, four out of five people drive an average of 29.5 minutes each way during their commute.
- High speed limits. Texas interstates have some of the highest speed limit laws in the country. Urban highways have a speed limit of 75 miles per hour (mph), while rural highways may have even higher speed limits.
- Lack of traffic enforcement. Lack of speeding or traffic violation enforcement also contributes to Houston’s deadly roads.
- Lack of bike lanes and sidewalks. Houston is not bike or pedestrian friendly. According to the Houston Chronicle, Houston has less than 300 miles of on-street bike lanes.
- Politics. Texas lawmakers have restricted automated traffic law enforcement. Automated enforcement may include camera, video and even sobriety checkpoints.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer After an Accident
After an accident, it is important to speak with an car accident lawyer in Houston, TX about your legal options as soon as possible. If you suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one in a Houston traffic accident, you may have a viable claim to recover compensation. Contact attorney Daniel D. Horowitz, III today to discuss your situation. Call (832) 460-5181 or fill out our confidential online contact form to get started.