Speeding is a top contributor to many fatal accidents in Texas.
Speeding Accident Leaves Woman Dead, Three Injured
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a woman is dead, and three people were injured in a crash by a speeding driver on Friday, July 7, 2023, on San Antonio’s North Side.
Police reported that a truck was traveling East on Nakoma at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle and swerved into oncoming traffic. The truck subsequently struck a silver car in the opposite lane, instantly killing the driver, a 35-year-old woman. Three passengers in the truck were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries while the driver waited with police at the scene.
Did You Know?
Speeding accounted for 1,446 traffic fatalities in Texas, over one-third of all traffic fatalities recorded in 2020.
Speeding in the Lone Star State
Texas is unfortunately known for being full of reckless drivers. With increasingly busy schedules, population booms, and highway construction, it comes as no surprise that Texas ranks in the top ten states with the most speeding fatalities in the nation. While most drivers (82% per Forbes data) admit that speeding is dangerous, nine in ten drivers admit to breaking the speed limit and regularly do it.
Why is Speeding So Prevalent in Texas?
Speeding is the most common aggressive driving behavior nationwide. While everyone’s case is unique, there are a few common contributing factors to speeding in Texas.
- Traffic Congestion – The most commonly cited reason for speeding is frustration with traffic. Traffic conditions in the San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston areas have increased significantly since major population increases heavily affected these cities post-pandemic.
- Running Late – Another commonly cited reason for speeding is running late to an appointment, work, or sports event. The sense of urgency associated with running late leads many people to exhibit aggressive driving behaviors they would not under normal circumstances.
- Anonymity/Disregard – Being in an enclosed space when driving often leads to a sense of anonymity and feeling more like an observer than an active participant on the road. This, combined with a greater lack of empathy, can cause drivers to disregard safety to a level they normally would not, as they feel like they won’t get caught or will never see those other drivers again.
Unfortunately, reckless behaviors exhibited by speeding drivers endanger everyone they share the road with, whether they realize it or not.
Consequences of Speeding in Texas
Speeding has greater consequences than a traffic ticket for breaking the law. The consequences are far-reaching and include:
- Increased risk of severe accidents, which commonly result in at least one fatality,
- Reduced effectiveness of occupant safety equipment, which is designed to protect drivers most effectively at normal speeds,
- And a greater risk of losing control of the vehicle.
Speeding doesn’t just happen when you break the speed limit. Drivers are supposed to reduce speeds whenever visibility is low or when roads are wet because of weather conditions.
Auto Accident Attorneys Serving San Antonio
If you were severely injured or tragically lost a loved one due to a speeding driver in San Antonio or the surrounding area, Carabin Shaw can help you file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. We have thirty years of experience representing the injured and bereaved across San Antonio, and we care. Contact our team of auto accident attorneys today at 800-862-1260 or fill out this form for a free case evaluation. We look forward to serving you.