Car accidents kill hundreds of people on American roads every day. The causes are the same throughout most states; they include drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, and reckless behavior. In Texas, particularly Fort Worth, these factors combine with heavy traffic and high-speed highways to create deadly conditions. Here’s a look at the numbers.

The Global And National Scale Of Car Accident Deaths

Car accidents kill about 1.19 million people globally each year. They’re the leading cause of death for people aged 5 to 29 worldwide. The problem is worse in some places. For instance, 92% of these deaths happen in low and middle-income countries, despite these nations having only 60% of the world’s vehicles.

In the United States, vehicle accidents are a cause for concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 44,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2022, which is roughly 115 deaths every day. What’s worse is that some of these accidents were preventable tragedies.

The Scale Of Car Accident Deaths In Fort Worth

Fort Worth saw 111 fatal crashes in 2023, resulting in 121 deaths. The city recorded 13,445 total crashes. Here are some additional facts about accidents in Fort Worth, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation:

  • 7,925 crashes resulted in no injuries
  • 2,928 people suffered non-incapacitating injuries
  • 515 people sustained suspected serious injuries
  • Every single day in Fort Worth, someone faced potentially life-altering injuries

In comparison, across Texas in 2023, one person died every 2 hours and 3 minutes in traffic crashes. 

Most Dangerous Scenarios For Fatal Crashes

Texas crash data from 2023 reveals patterns about when and how fatal car accidents occur, including:

  • Single-vehicle, run-off-road crashes caused 1,368 deaths (32% of all traffic fatalities)
  • Intersection-related crashes killed 1,120 people
  • Head-on collisions resulted in 635 deaths
  • The deadliest hours were between 2:00 and 2:59 a.m., especially on Sundays
  • June and August were the deadliest months, each with 390 deaths

The timing patterns show a connection between late-night driving and fatal crashes, especially when combined with alcohol use. In Fort Worth, this impacts major arteries like Interstate 35W and Interstate 30, where high speeds multiply the risk.

Who Faces The Highest Risk?

The 2023 Texas data also identifies several high-risk groups:

  • Motorcycle riders faced particular danger, with 599 dying, 40% of whom were not wearing helmets
  • Pedestrian deaths reached 807, showing a slight decrease from 2022
  • Cyclist fatalities increased by 15.38%, resulting in 105 deaths
  • Almost half (48.89%) of vehicle occupant deaths involved people not wearing seat belts
  • Alcohol-related crashes killed 1,090 people, which comprised over 25% of all traffic deaths

These numbers show that vulnerable road users, meaning those outside of vehicles, face disproportionate risks. 

The Role Of Vehicle Types In Fatal Crashes

Different vehicles carry unique risks. SUVs and pickup trucks, popular in Fort Worth, show higher rollover rates than sedans. These rollovers account for a significant portion of fatal crashes. Meanwhile, large truck accidents create severe risks due to the vehicles’ size and weight.

The Impact of Fatal Car Crashes

Beyond the immediate loss of life, these vehicle crashes create lasting consequences like:

  • Families losing primary wage earners
  • Children losing parents or siblings
  • Communities losing contributing members
  • Businesses losing valuable employees
  • Healthcare systems facing increased strain

Additionally, there is an economic impact when you consider lost productivity, medical costs, and property damage. However, no economic toll can measure up to the emotional trauma these deaths cause to families and communities.

Fatal Car Crashes On American Roads

Despite the increased safety of cars, more aggressive civic education, and improved infrastructure, car crashes are still incredibly common occurrences in the U.S. Therefore, remember to be extra careful when you’re out on the road. A little bit of mindfulness could mean the difference between carrying on with your day and getting into a life-changing accident.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Texas

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our car accident lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 820, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711