In this blog post, we cover new data on Texas truck accident statistics released by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) and the latest data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
We’ll cover:
- 2024 Truck Crash Types
- 2023 Truck Crash Statistics
- Weather Impact
- Driver Behavior
- Fatal Accident Data
- City-Specific Data
As these numbers show, the situation is alarming and demands attention from both lawmakers and drivers.
Let’s dive into the facts.
2024 Texas Truck Crash Types
- 117 crashes resulting in serious injuries, representing a 2.86% serious injury rate[1].
- 35 commercial truck wrecks resulting in fatalities, a 0.86% fatal accident rate[1].
- 59 commercial truck accidents involving alcohol or drug use, a 1.44% rate [1].
- 463 commercial truck crashes related to speeding, representing 11.33% of all truck accidents.
- 392 commercial truck accidents in work zones, representing 9.59% of all truck crashes.
- 1,339 truck crashes in intersections, representing a huge 32.76% of all Texas commercial truck accidents in 2024.
The number of crashes involving trucks in Texas is staggering, and the types of accidents show how varied the dangers can be.
Intersections remain the most common site for truck accidents.
This may be attributed to the complexity of navigating heavy vehicles through these areas alongside other motorists.
Speeding is another major factor, particularly on Texas’ extensive highways, where large trucks often travel long distances at high speeds.
In work zones, the risk of accidents becomes even higher due to changing road conditions, reduced visibility, and congested traffic.
2023 Texas Truck Crash Statistics
In 2023, the state witnessed 43,780 commercial motor vehicle accidents, involving a staggering 128,099 people [1]. Such numbers underscore the scale of the issue, as truck accidents involve not just the truck drivers themselves but also passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
Some of the key figures include:
- 132 crashes resulting in serious injuries, marking a 41% serious injury rate [1].
- 63 commercial truck wrecks resulting in fatalities, or a 15% fatal accident rate [1].
- 80 commercial truck accidents involving alcohol or drug use, representing 44% of incidents.
- 603 commercial truck crashes related to speeding, which represent 33% of all truck accidents.
- 484 commercial truck accidents in work zones, a 59% share of total truck accidents.
- A total of 1,825 truck crashes in intersections, which account for 35% of all Texas commercial truck accidents in 2024.
- 45 tractor-trailer (bobtail) commercial vehicle accidents.
Weather Impact
Weather conditions also have a noticeable impact on truck accidents. While the majority of crashes occur in clear conditions, rain significantly increases the likelihood of accidents.
- 110 truck crashes occurred in rain conditions and 935 in clear conditions.
Slippery roads and reduced visibility combine to create more dangerous driving conditions, making defensive driving and proper vehicle maintenance all the more crucial for truck drivers.
Driver Behavior
The severity of truck accidents is amplified when factors like driver fatigue, distraction, and road rage come into play.
In 2023 alone, 11 truck crashes were caused by driver fatigue, and 20 crashes were due to distractions inside the vehicle. Road rage, though less frequent, contributed to 19 truck accidents, underscoring the fact that driver behavior is a key factor in accident prevention.
Texas Leads the Nation in Fatal Truck Accidents in 2023
Unfortunately, Texas consistently ranks at the top of the list when it comes to fatal truck accidents.
According to FMCSA’s 2023 data, Texas had 650 fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses, which was 52.22% greater than California, the state with the second highest fatal crash rate [2].
The high rate of fatal accidents in Texas is a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for stronger regulations.
City and County Data
City of Houston and Harris County Data (2023)
Houston and Harris County, being major hubs of commercial activity, see some of the highest numbers of truck accidents in the state. In 2023, the area recorded:
- 7,121 commercial motor vehicle accidents, involving 23,104 people.
- 10 fatal truck crashes.
- 16 crashes resulting in serious injuries.
- 369 truck crashes in intersections.
- 139 commercial truck crashes related to speeding.
- 30 commercial truck accidents in work zones.
City of Dallas Truck Accident Data (2023)
In Dallas, a significant number of truck accidents were also reported:
- 417 large truck accidents.
- 5 fatal truck crashes.
- 81 crashes resulting in serious injuries.
- 1,089 truck crashes in intersections.
- 263 commercial truck crashes related to speeding.
- 255 commercial truck collisions in work zones.
Bexar County Truck Accident Data (2023)
Bexar County also saw its share of truck accidents:
- 476 large truck accidents.
- 2 fatal truck crashes.
- 1 crash resulting in serious injuries.
- 137 truck crashes in intersections.
- 15 commercial truck crashes related to speeding.
- 65 commercial truck accidents in work zones.
Legal Options After a Semi-Truck Accident
For those who have been injured or lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler or “big rig” accident, a skilled Houston truck accident lawyer is critical to securing justice.
You need a truck accident attorney that knows how to handle complex accident cases and deal with trucking companies’ highly paid legal teams.
Severe injuries can lead to major medical bills, lost wages, and even fatalities. At Williams Hart & Boundas, our experienced Houston personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of truck accidents.
Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our law firm can assist you in your case.