Traffic Accidents on the Rise in San Antonio

The roadways in San Antonio are steadily growing more dangerous each year, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The total number of auto accidents in our city has gone up by about 3,000 crashes per year since 2011. In 2014, there were 37,382 accidents in San Antonio, and 149 people died as a result of these crashes. Wrong-way highway crashes, although relatively rare, continue to rise each year, despite the fact that task forces have been addressing the problem, including installing flashing signs on several ramps in an effort to prevent impaired drivers from making this deadly mistake.

Of course, several factors may contribute to the rise in accidents. There are simply more vehicles on the roads, as the population grows and the economy gets stronger. Road work and weather conditions can also play a role. But many times, these accidents could have been prevented simply by the driver not drinking alcohol, the driver paying attention to the road and refraining from using their cell phone, and driving within the posted speed limits.

Drinking-related accidents have long been a problem in our city, and they continue to be a problem. In areas of the city where more DUIs tend to occur, The San Antonio Police Department has used grants administered by TxDOT to more closely monitor these areas. The grants provide overtime pay so that deputies and officers can give extra attention to these DUI hotspots. There are typically 10-15 officers out each night, Wednesday through Sunday, specifically looking for drunk drivers.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an auto accident caused by another driver’s negligence and distraction, contact an auto accident attorney today.

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