Dallas Hit and Run Accident Statistics
Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities are on the rise nationwide, according to data from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. The report states that New York and L.A. are the hardest hit in the nation. Where does Dallas measure up? Here is what you need to know:
Dallas Hit and Runs: A Grim Picture
Dallas is one of the most populated cities in the country, which means it has some of the most heavily congested roads. What does this mean for pedestrians? According to information from the Texas Department of Transportation, it means roads are getting more dangerous. Streets within the Dallas city limits reported 5,388 hit and runs in 2013, compared to 2,766 in 2012. 2,194 were reported in 2011.
Dallas continues to be a leader in the number of drunken driving accidents per year, as well, and being under the influence is a major motivation for hit and run accidents. In 2014, TxDOT reported 1,329 crashes due to driving under the influence. The city is second only to Houston, which reported 1,633 crashes in 2014.
Driving under the influence is only one factor that leads to hit and run incidents. Others, like frustration with traffic congestion, fear of being late for work, aggressive driving, and road rage, can all cause Texas drivers to lose focus on their driving. Fearing the consequences of their actions, drivers flee.
Why Are Hit and Runs on the Rise?
There are several reasons why hit and run accidents may be becoming more commonplace, but one reason is they are difficult to solve. With all our vast technological resources, why is this the case? There are several theories:
People Simply Do Not Want to Get Involved
In one recent case, a 32 year old man was walking across a multi-lane road when he was struck by a vehicle around 10 p.m. Though investigators pulled security tapes from local business, the grainy footage was not enough to identify the assailant. Despite the establishment of a tip line, there have been no leads. One possible explanation for this is that witnesses simply do not want to get involved with a police investigation.
A Slap on the Wrist?
Pedestrian and bike advocates say that a laissez faire attitude on the part of the police department also exacerbates incidents of hit and run. They hold that police in major cities view the incident as just an accident, rather than something worthy of a potential murder investigation. “Unless there is alcohol involved or somebody flees the scene, there is rarely even a ticket,” Robin Stallings, Executive Director of Bike Texas, told the Dallas Observer.
What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Hit and Run?
It is important to always use good judgement and practice defensive driving out on the road. If you find yourself the victim of a hit and run, you should contact an experienced law practice like Benton Law Firm. It can be hard to navigate the sea of insurance claims, and lost wages can take a toll. Being hit while walking or biking can put you at serious risk for brain injury and other life-threatening conditions that can seriously affect your quality of life.
You should not have to be held accountable for another driver’s negligence. Jeff Benton of Benton Law firm knows the law; he serves as an adjunct professor in business law at the University of Texas at Brownsville and is Assistant Editor of the State Bar Litigation Section Report. When you choose Benton Law firm, you are selecting a firm with a foundation of expertise and a lawyer clients have referred to as “empathetic,” “honest,” and “exceptional.” Contact our Dallas personal injury attorney to see how we can help you.
