Several factors resulted in 176 fatal crashes in the TxDOT Tyler District
More people died in car accidents in 2021 in the TxDOT Tyler District than in the prior year, according to information released by the Tyler District.
There were 176 fatal crashes and 193 total deaths in the Tyler District, an increase from 152 fatal crashes and 168 deaths in 2020.
“Fatalities have increased substantially in 2021 throughout the eight counties of the Tyler District”, said District Engineer Vernon Webb.
The Tyler District, which includes Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt, and Wood counties, released preliminary numbers revealing the top-five contributing factors of fatal crashes in 2021:
Failed to drive in a single lane – 34%
Unsafe speed – 22%
Pedestrian failed to yield right of way to a vehicle – 18%
Wrong side – not passing – 13%
Failed to control speed – 12%
“We thoroughly evaluate each factor involved with every fatal crash occurring on our system”, Webb continued. “Single vehicle, run-off-road crashes, failing to control speed and failure to use restraints have consistently been primary factors contributing to these fatalities. It is imperative that we take notice and work together to reduce fatal crashes."
The information also showed:
Rural traffic crashes accounted for 82% of the district’s traffic fatalities. 160 people died in rural traffic crashes.
Single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes resulted in 65 deaths in 2021. These crashes accounted for 33% of all motor vehicle traffic deaths in the Tyler District.
About 31 percent of deaths involved unrestrained vehicle passengers. This figure represents crashes where restraint usage was applicable and usage was known.
42 people died in head-on crashes.
41 people died in crashes occurring in intersections or related to an intersection. This is about 21% of all traffic fatalities in the Tyler District.
35 fatalities were speed-related.
Pedestrian fatalities totaled 30. This is a 30% increase from 2020.
21 motorcyclists (operators and passengers) died in crashes.
15 people died in crashes involving distracted driving. This is a 50% increase from the previous year.
There were 33 DUI-related fatalities in 2021. This figure is14 fewer than in 2020.
There were two pedal-cyclist fatalities and two work-zone fatalities in 2021.
“One life lost is too many. With the population continuing to rapidly increase throughout our region, public awareness and personal accountability are critical”, Webb said. “We are losing co-workers, friends, and family at an alarming rate. Since November 7, 2000, we have not had a single day without a fatality on Texas roads. It is time to End the Streak.”
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