Distracted Driving Accident Statistics

There is no question: Distracted driving is dangerous. Distracted drivers put themselves and other motorists at risk for life-changing – and, in many cases, life-threatening – injuries, and they do so without any valid justification. All driving distractions can be avoided, and those drivers who choose to put others in harm’s way can – and should – be held legally accountable.

Just how big is the problem? According to the most-recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving plays a role in close to 400,000 injury-involved accidents every year. Data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT) indicate that one out of every five crashes in the state is the result of distracted driving.

By the Numbers: The Risks of Distracted Driving

Here are some more notable statistics on the dangers of distracted driving:

660,000
The NHTSA estimates that, at any moment in time during the day, approximately 660,000 drivers are using their phones behind the wheel.

109,658
According to TDOT, distracted driving was a factor in 109,658 auto accidents in 2016. This reflects an increase of three percent (or nearly 3,200 accidents) compared to 2015.

3,087
Of the 109,658 distracted driving accidents in Texas during 2016, 3,087 resulted in serious injuries.

1,161
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 1,161 people are injured every day in accidents caused by distracted driving.

455
Accident data from TDOT indicate that 455 people lost their lives in distracted driving accidents in 2016. This is more than 13 percent of all distracted driving accident fatalities nationwide during the previous year.

100
At highway speeds, in the time it takes to read an average text message, a vehicle will travel 100 yards without its driver looking at the road.

90
According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2015, approximately 90 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 29 owned a smartphone, and approximately 90 percent of all drivers had access to a cell phone they could use behind the wheel.

62
The NHTSA currently has 62 resources available on its website that teens, parents, teachers, and others can use to help educate their family members and social media followers on the risks of distracted driving.

8
Federal data indicate that, on average, more than eight people are killed in the United States every day as a result of distracted driving.

6
The percentage of drivers observed visibly manipulating phones and other handheld devices has increased in each of the last six years (according to the NHTSA’s most-recent data).

4.9
In a 2015 study, 4.9 percent of drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 were observed visibly manipulating phones and other handheld devices. This is compared to 2.1 percent of drivers between the ages of 25 and 69, and 0.5 percent of drivers who were 70 years of age or older.

Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in San Antonio, TX

At Ronald A. Ramos Law Office, we are committed to helping victims of distracted driving accidents win just compensation. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in an accident caused by a distracted driver, we want to help you stand up for your legal rights. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with attorney Ronald A. Ramos, please call (210) 308-8811 or inquire online today.

San Antonio Car Accident Statistics

San Antonio consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities for drivers in Texas. Bexar County sees thousands of traffic crashes every year, with hundreds resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that major corridors including Interstate 35, Interstate 10, Loop 410, and Highway 281 are among the highest-risk roadways in the San Antonio metro area due to heavy traffic volumes, construction zones, and high speeds.

Contributing factors in San Antonio car accidents include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and following too closely. Rush hour traffic on Loop 410 and I-35 creates conditions where rear-end collisions and chain reaction accidents are especially common.

Texas Statewide Crash Data

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 4,000 traffic fatalities statewide in recent years, making Texas one of the deadliest states for drivers in the nation. TxDOT data shows that a reportable crash occurred approximately every 57 seconds, a person was injured in a traffic crash every two minutes and 12 seconds, and a person was killed in a traffic crash every two hours and 20 minutes.

Alcohol-related crashes account for a significant portion of Texas traffic deaths. TxDOT reports that DUI-alcohol related crashes resulted in over 1,000 fatalities annually. Texting while driving and other forms of distraction are also major contributors, though these crashes are likely underreported because drivers rarely admit to being distracted.

Most Dangerous Times to Drive

Statistical data shows that certain times of day and days of the week carry higher accident risk. Weekend nights, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings between 9 PM and 3 AM, see the highest rates of alcohol-related crashes. Weekday rush hours between 4 PM and 7 PM produce the most total crashes due to congested roads and fatigued drivers heading home from work.

Holiday weekends including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving see dramatic spikes in both accidents and fatalities across Texas. The combination of increased travel volume, impaired driving, and unfamiliar routes creates dangerous conditions on San Antonio highways.

What to Do If You Are in a Car Accident

If you become part of these statistics and are involved in a car accident in San Antonio, the steps you take immediately after the crash matter. Learn what to do after a car accident, including seeking medical attention even if you feel fine. The San Antonio car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Ronald A. Ramos help accident victims throughout South Texas recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.