Texas is a vast and largely rural state, yet is also home to many sprawling cities where busy roads often result in serious smashes.
Here’s a look at the accident hotspots in this part of the country, as well as a few tips for avoiding becoming a statistic yourself.
Houston
Houston has a reputation for treacherous traffic conditions, leading to numerous car accidents every year. In fact official stats show that it accounts for almost 13% of reported accidents state-wide, with over 67,000 automotive incidents reported each year.
Of course if you are caught up in a collision, you can find a reputable car accident lawyer in Houston to support you. That means you need not be too hesitant to drive on its congested urban roadways.
San Antonio
Sitting in second place in terms of auto accidents in the latest reports, San Antonio is not quite as bad as Houston, but does eclipse it in terms of the number of DUIs that are recorded annually.
Another of the most common causes of crashes in this part of the state is distracted driving, with over 26,000 instances cited as the root of collisions. This is a good reminder that anyone who’s behind the wheel should keep their attention firmly focused on the road if they want to make the most of the journey and reach their destination safely.
Dallas
Interestingly enough, Dallas accounts for around half the number of auto accidents compared with Houston, and yet that still enables it to sit in third place overall in the state of Texas when it comes to dangerous driving figures.
All sorts of bad behaviors are at fault when it comes to bringing about collisions here, from tailgating to speeding. Sticking to the rules of the road in Dallas and anywhere else is a must, whether you’re a local or visiting from further afield.
Essential Defensive Driving Techniques to use in Texas
As we’ve discussed, driving safely should always be a top priority, especially on the bustling roads of Texas. Here are some crucial defensive driving techniques that can significantly lower your risk of encountering problems:
- Maintain Awareness: Always keep your eyes moving and observe what’s going on around you to anticipate any unexpected events. This is also good advice for staying safe while traveling more generally.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Ensure there is sufficient space between you and other vehicles. Tailgating often leads to accidents.
- Stay Within Speed Limits: Adhering to posted speed limits not only ensures your safety but also keeps you from getting traffic citations.
- Steer Clear of Distractions: Cell phones, loud music and eating while driving can drastically increase the chances of an accident.
- Use Turn Signals: Indicate your intention by using signal lights whenever changing lanes or direction.
Using Technology to Enhance Road Safety
Technology is now an asset for promoting road safety. Here are some handy tips on how you can leverage these advancements:
- Adopt Satellite Navigation: Using GPS on your smartphone or a dedicated device lets you navigate unfamiliar roads with confidence, thereby minimizing the stress of driving.
- Use Hands-Free Calling: This allows for safer communication while behind the wheel without distraction, although ideally you should only make and receive calls when you’re parked up.
- Choose Cars with Collision Detection Systems: Some newer vehicles come equipped with advanced collision detection systems which alert drivers about possible dangers ahead, and even automatically brake to avoid accidents.
- Invest in a Dashcam: Buying a dashcam to record the road ahead is a good way to gather evidence that can be used to support your case if you do get in an accident.
Final Thoughts
You can still drive safely in any of Texas’ cities. It just takes having an awareness of the risks, and a willingness to follow safe driving strategies to the letter.
