Traffic on the roads in major Texas cities is on a downward trend, according to a new study from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Major cities such as Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio saw a significant reduction in road traffic from 2019 to 2022.
However, Laredo wasn't among the Texas cities with drops in traffic congestion. The study shows that Laredo saw a 10% increase in traffic. In 2022 alone, commuters in Laredo were using 22 gallons per commuter in excess gas. This data takes into account the time during the COVID-19 pandemic when the U.S. saw a shift in traffic due to remote work policies.
How does traffic congestion lead to more car accidents?
Traffic congestion creates an environment where car accidents are likely to occur due to:
- Driver frustration: As traffic builds up, drivers become increasingly frustrated and impatient. This can lead to aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, and speeding when gaps appear.
- Decreased attention: Slow-moving traffic may cause drivers to lose focus and engage in distractions such as using their phones or eating.
- Stop-and-go patterns: Frequent stopping and starting in congested traffic creates more opportunities for rear-end collisions, especially when drivers are not paying full attention.
- Reduced reaction time: In bumper-to-bumper traffic, drivers have less time and space to react to sudden changes or emergencies.
- Risky maneuvers: Some drivers may attempt dangerous moves to bypass traffic, such as using emergency lanes or cutting across multiple lanes.
How serious are car accidents in heavy Laredo traffic?
While one might assume that car accidents in congested traffic would be less severe due to lower speeds, this is not always the case. Many collisions in heavy Laredo traffic are serious due to:
- Chain reactions: A single collision can quickly escalate into a multi-vehicle pileup in dense traffic.
- Vulnerable road users: Congestion often leads to increased interactions between vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
- Emergency response delays: Heavy traffic can impede the swift arrival of emergency services, which can potentially exacerbate injuries and reduce the chances of successful medical intervention.
- Unexpected high-speed impacts: While most vehicles move slowly in congestion, some drivers may speed through temporarily clear areas, which can lead to high-speed collisions with stationary or slow-moving vehicles.
What are common injuries sustained in a collision during heavy traffic?
Car accidents in congested traffic can result in injuries ranging from minor to severe. These typically include:
- Whiplash: This is one of the most common injuries in rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jolted backward and forward, resulting in neck and upper back pain.
- Soft tissue injuries: These include sprains, strains, and bruising. The sudden impact of a collision often affects the neck, back, and shoulders.
- Head injuries: Even at lower speeds, sudden stops or collisions can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. This can lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Back injuries: The impact of a crash can cause spinal cord damage, herniated discs, or other back injuries. This can result in symptoms from chronic pain to paralysis.
Hurt in a Laredo, TX crash? Get justice with John
After a car accident in congested Laredo traffic, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. The aftermath of a crash can bring mounting medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and a lot of uncertainty. In these challenging times, you need a strong advocate on your side. Attorney John R. Solis has over 24 years of experience fighting for the rights of car accident victims in the Laredo area.
Our firm understands the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts, and we're prepared to level the playing field for you. We'll handle every aspect of your claim, from filling out paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on your recovery. To get started, contact us online or call us today for a free case consultation.