Bexar County officials recently voted to spend $400,000 on a wide-ranging plan designed to reduce the number of car accidents throughout the Texas county. As part of the plan, officials will identify exactly where the most car accidents occur in San Antonio and other parts of Bexar County.
“One of the things about Bexar County, you know, it’s quickly becoming urbanized,” Bexar County Public Works Director Art Reinhart said in an interview with KSAT 12 News. “So these rural areas where there hasn’t been a lot of activity as it’s becoming developed, we want to be able to use this data to help us make better informed decisions about our roadways.”
Bexar County launches traffic safety initiative
With the help of a $300,000 federal grant, Bexar County officials recently agreed to make road safety improvement measures designed to make streets safer and to identify the most dangerous intersections in the county, according to News 4 San Antonio.
Specifically, Bexar County recently hired a traffic safety consulting firm “to conduct a comprehensive analysis of severe injuries and fatal crashes. This analysis aims to identify accident hot spots, ultimately leading to targeted solutions to enhance road safety,” according to News 4 San Antonio.
“We need to do our best to promote mobility and safety across the region,” Reinhart said in an interview with News 4 San Antonio. “We will be focusing on roadways within the jurisdiction of Bexar County.”
Crash fatalities in Bexar County
The upcoming study will hopefully reveal exactly where accidents happen the most in Bexar County. However, based on existing accident data, it’s clear that car accidents have increasingly become a more serious problem in recent years.
Compared to just a few years ago, there have been significantly more car accident fatalities in Bexar County. For instance, in 2019, there were 179 car accident fatalities in Bexar County, according to accident data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). By 2022, that number had soared to 247.
Last year, there were slightly fewer motor vehicle accident fatalities in Bexar County – 209 deaths in 2023, according to accident data compiled by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). However, that number is still 16.7 percent higher compared to the number of car accident deaths there in 2019.
Why do car accidents happen in Bexar County?
Car accidents in Bexar County occur year after year for many of the same reasons. Here are some of the top causes behind these collisions:
Drunk driving
In 2022, drunk driving was a leading cause of fatal accidents in Bexar County, resulting in 117 deaths, according to NHTSA data. Alcohol impairs reaction time and judgment, making it a significant risk factor on the road.
Speeding
Speeding drivers accounted for 79 fatalities in Bexar County in 2022. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents, especially on high-speed roads.
Distracted driving
Texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions take drivers' focus off the road, often resulting in serious crashes. Distracted driving remains one of the most preventable yet common causes of accidents.
Aggressive driving
Behaviors like tailgating, rapid lane changes, and cutting off other drivers contribute to a high number of accidents. Aggressive driving is a leading cause of road rage incidents and crashes in Bexar County.
Reckless driving
Running red lights or ignoring stop signs are forms of reckless driving that lead to dangerous intersection accidents. Failure to follow traffic signals often results in severe collisions.
What are the most dangerous intersections in San Antonio?
While the new study will identify the most dangerous roads and intersections in Bexar County, existing car accident data from the NHTSA and TxDOT already reveals which intersections consistently have the most car accidents in San Antonio. These dangerous intersections include:
- Interstate 10 and Loop 1604.
- State Highway 151 and West Military Drive.
- Interstate 410 and Rigsby Avenue.
- Loop 1604 and San Pedro Avenue.
- Loop 1604 and Culebra Road.
Seeking legal help after a San Antonio car accident
After a car accident in San Antonio or Bexar County, getting compensation might seem straightforward, especially if another driver is clearly at fault. Texas’ at-fault insurance system requires the liable party to cover all accident-related expenses. But in reality, securing fair compensation is rarely simple. Insurance companies often push back, delay, or even deny valid claims, leaving you to fight for the funds you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.
At The Herrera Law Firm, our experienced San Antonio car accident attorneys know the challenges accident victims face. We’re here to help. Our team knows what evidence to gather, which questions to ask, and how to build a solid case focused on recovering the compensation you deserve.
Get a law firm you can trust when it matters most. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Located on West Commerce Street, we serve clients throughout Texas on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.
“Best Injury attorney in San Antonio. Highly recommend.” – Samantha J.
