# The 12 Most Common Causes of Car Accident | Attorney Brian White ![The 12 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/The-12-Most-Common-Causes-of-Car-Accidents-300x200.jpg) [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/) provides detailed information about the causes of [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/). These reports reveal some interesting insights into Texas crashes. Car accidents in Texas tend to result from a very small set of circumstances. And while road, light, and weather conditions play a role in collisions, most crashes result from preventable driver behaviors. ## Causes of Car Accidents in Texas Houston had [66,988 total crashes](https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2021/14.pdf) in 2021. These crashes included 312 fatal crashes and 20,513 injury crashes. Texas does not release statistics about crash causes for Houston. But it does release [statewide crash information](https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2021/21.pdf). Based on these numbers, the 12 most common causes of car accidents in Texas include: ### 1. Speeding [Speeding causes more accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/speeding/) than any other cause by a large margin. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) statistics, speeding causes more accidents than the next two most common causes combined. Speeding includes exceeding the [speed limit](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-many-mph-can-i-go-above-the-speed-limit-in-houston-tx/) and driving too fast for current road conditions. Transportation officials set speed limits based on the locations and designs of the roads. Under certain weather, road, or traffic conditions, you might need to travel slower than the speed limit. Speeding also reduces the time you have to make evasive maneuvers. It increases the severity of injuries, as well.  ### 2. Distracted Driving [Distracted driving](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/distracted-driving/) caused nearly 99,000 crashes in 2021. According to the CDC’s definition, [distracted driving includes](https://www.cdc.gov/distracted-driving/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html): - Visual distractions that take your eyes off the road - Manual distractions that occupy your hands - Mental distractions that divert your attention Distractions prevent you from reacting to traffic or road hazards. Even at moderate speeds, your car can travel a hundred feet or more during a brief distraction.  Some common examples of distractions include: - Eating or drinking - Reading electronic devices - Watching videos - Typing - Adjusting the audio system - Talking to passengers While it may seem inconvenient, pulling over or waiting until you stop instead of trying to multitask could save you from a traffic accident. ### 3. Unsafe Lane Changes Careless drivers often fail to check their blind spots before [changing lanes](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/lane-change/). Lazy drivers only check their mirrors. In either case, an unsafe lane change can lead to a sideswipe accident. ### 4. Lane Drift Lane drift happens for many reasons, including: - Poor directional control - Speeding - Faded lane markings - Poor visibility - Intoxication Lane drift often affects young drivers and senior drivers. Inexperienced drivers have not practiced the skills needed to maintain control over their vehicles. Senior drivers often suffer from a variety of ailments that reduce their ability to control their vehicles, such as: - Muscle weakness - Arthritis and poor grip strength - Visual impairments - Slowed reactions - Prescription drug use Vehicles can drift out of their lanes into oncoming traffic. The resulting [head-on collisions](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/head-on-collision/) are often fatal. According to the National Safety Council, [only 3% of crashes](https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/type-of-crash/) involve a head-on collision, but they produce nearly 27% of crash fatalities. ### 5. Running a Red Light or Stop Sign Running red lights and stop signs are surefire ways to cause a car accident. When you run a traffic control device, you disrupt everyone’s expectations and force them to avoid you. In many cases, they do not have time to stop or swerve to avoid a collision. ### 6. Failing to Yield the Right of Way Failing to yield the right of way is similar to [running a red light](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-the-dangers-of-running-a-red-light-in-houston-texas/) or stop sign. But when you fail to yield the right of way, you proceed into traffic out of turn rather than ignoring a traffic control device. Examples of failing to yield the right of way include: - [Making a left turn](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/left-turn/) before a gap opens in the oncoming traffic - Proceeding through an intersection before your turn - Exiting a parking lot or driveway before cross-traffic clears Failing to yield the right of way often results in a side-impact collision, also called a T-bone collision. These crashes can cause serious injuries, particularly when a car impacts the driver-side door of the other vehicle. ### 7. Faulty Evasive Action You may remember from your driver’s education course that you should always leave room on the road for an escape path. Faulty evasive action happens when you swerve or slam on your brakes to avoid a collision but end up causing one. Suppose that a driver began moving into your lane and you swerved to avoid them. You successfully avoided the vehicle making the lane change, but you struck a different vehicle while doing so. You caused the collision through faulty evasive action. ### 8. Tailgating Many drivers have a habit of following other vehicles too closely. Tailgating cuts the time you have to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly. The responsibility for maintaining a safe following distance almost always falls on the trailing driver. When a [rear-end crash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/rear-end-collision/) happens, the trailing driver almost always gets blamed. ### 9. Intoxicated Driving Intoxicated driving includes driving while over the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) and driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Intoxicating substances can: - Impair your decision making - Slow down your reflexes - Cause you to misjudge the speed or distance of other vehicles - Make you drowsy These problems can arise after consuming alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs. ### 10. Drowsy Driving Driving while fatigued can happen to anyone. But it most often affects: - Truck drivers - Travelers - Workers with late shifts - Intoxicated drivers Fatigue can cause you to lose focus on driving or even doze off, leading you to lose control of your vehicle. ### 11. Unsafe Turning You probably see examples of unsafe turning every time you drive. Drivers commit an improper turn when they make a turn: - Too wide - Too sharp - From the wrong lane - Without waiting for a gap in traffic These accidents can lead to collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, or other motorists. ### 12. Unsafe Backing When backing out of a private drive or a parking space, some drivers fail to watch carefully. A common mistake is to rely on mirrors rather than turning and looking. As a result, these drivers can back into other vehicles, cross-traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Drive Safely in Texas To Avoid Causing an Accident Fortunately, most of these driving behaviors are avoidable. Driving carefully can help you avoid causing an accident.  If you do find yourself involved in a car crash that was caused by someone else and are wondering what your options are, consider reaching out to an attorney. Most car accident lawyers in the area offer free consultations to go over your situation and provide legal advice. ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / Linkedin / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fattorneybrianwhite%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle/) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![The Effects of Airbag Deployment in Your Houston Car Accident Claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/The-Effects-of-Airbag-Deployment-in-Your-Houston-Car-Accident-Claim--300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-effects-of-airbag-deployment-in-your-houston-car-accident-claim/) [The Effects of Airbag Deployment in Your Houston Car Accident Claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-effects-of-airbag-deployment-in-your-houston-car-accident-claim/) Airbags are a life-saving device and now come standard in all new vehicles. If you’ve been involved in a car [![Car Insurance Policy](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/iStock-1180387704-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-to-know-about-diminished-value-accident-claims/) [Everything to Know About Diminished Value Accident Claims](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-to-know-about-diminished-value-accident-claims/) There are several things to think about after getting in a car accident. Even once necessary repairs are made, your [![Types of Car Accident Injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Types-of-Car-Accident-Injuries-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-car-accident-injuries/) [Types of Car Accident Injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-car-accident-injuries/) Millions of people are injured in car accidents each year in the United States. During 2019, 15,843 people sustained [![What To Do if Someone Files a Car Accident Claim Against You in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/What-To-Do-if-Someone-Files-a-Car-Accident-Claim-Against-You-in-Houston-TX-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-if-someone-files-a-car-accident-claim-against-you-in-houston-tx/) [What to Do If Someone Files a Car Accident Claim Against You in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-if-someone-files-a-car-accident-claim-against-you-in-houston-tx/) Since Texas is an at-fault state for car accident claims, a person could file a claim against you if you are involved --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-12-most-common-causes-of-car-accidents/