Motor vehicle accidents and fatalities have been increasing in Texas, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Along with the overall rise in crashes, incidents involving alcohol impairment and speeding have also gone up, making roadways more dangerous for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
While these statistics are concerning, there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Developing safe driving habits can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a serious accident.
1. Make Sure Passengers Are Secure
Before starting your vehicle, always ensure that every passenger is properly secured. Texas law requires that children under the age of 8 be placed in a federally approved car seat, unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches.
Seat belt use is equally important for all passengers. Not only can failing to wear a seat belt result in fines starting at $250, but it also dramatically increases the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.
Don’t overlook your pets, either. Securing animals in proper carriers or restraints can prevent them from becoming a distraction and protect them during sudden stops or collisions.
2. Be Aware of Your Speed
Speed plays a major role in many accidents. Driving above the speed limit reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of a crash. However, driving significantly below the speed limit can also be dangerous by disrupting the normal flow of traffic.
Stay mindful of posted speed limits and adjust your speed based on traffic, weather, and road conditions to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
3. Avoid Distractions Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving remains a serious issue across Texas. While there is no universal statewide ban on mobile phone use for all drivers, restrictions do apply to certain groups, such as school bus drivers and new drivers. Additionally, many cities have laws prohibiting texting while driving.
Regardless of the law, the safest approach is simple: focus entirely on driving. Avoid texting, eating, adjusting navigation, or any other activity that takes your eyes or mind off the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to life-altering consequences.
4. Remain Alert at All Times
Driving safely requires constant awareness of your surroundings. Traffic conditions can change in an instant—a car may suddenly brake, merge, or appear unexpectedly in your path.
Make it a habit to check your mirrors frequently, scan the road ahead, and stay aware of vehicles around you. Anticipating potential hazards gives you more time to react and avoid accidents.
5. Never Drive Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most preventable causes of fatal accidents. According to NHTSA data, thousands of lives have been lost in Texas due to impaired driving—and each of those incidents could have been avoided.
Alcohol, illegal drugs, and even certain prescription medications can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Always ensure you are completely sober before driving.
If you notice a driver swerving, drifting between lanes, or behaving erratically, safely pull over and contact local authorities. Reporting dangerous drivers can help prevent accidents and save lives.
6. Make Yourself Visible to Other Drivers
Visibility is a key factor in preventing collisions. Many accidents occur simply because one driver fails to see another in time.
You can reduce this risk by:
- Using your turn signals consistently
- Turning on headlights when visibility is low
- Avoiding other vehicles’ blind spots
- Ensuring your brake lights and headlights are functioning properly
Taking these simple steps helps other drivers anticipate your movements and react accordingly.
7. Adjust to Road and Weather Conditions
Even if you are familiar with a particular road, conditions can change quickly. Weather, construction, and traffic patterns all affect how safely you can travel.
In poor weather—such as rain, fog, or strong winds—reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Even light rain can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of losing control.
Driving defensively and adapting to current conditions can make a significant difference in preventing accidents.
Final Thoughts: Safety Starts with You
Although accident rates may be rising, many crashes are preventable through awareness, responsibility, and good driving habits. By securing passengers, staying alert, avoiding distractions, and respecting road conditions, you can greatly reduce your risk on the road.
Safe driving isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting everyone around you.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
