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Traffic deaths at all-time highs, holidays could be even more deadly
The Austin Transportation Department tells FOX 7 Austin that the worst accidents occur on faster and wider roads such as highways.
Austin, Texas – There have been 99 fatal accidents in Austin that resulted in 107 deaths, and now officials say the start of the Christmas season may be an even deadlier time.
In 2021 there was a record death toll on the streets of Austin and, according to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) spokeswoman Diann Hodges, the streets of Texas too.
“We’re well on our way to seeing the highest number of car accident fatalities across the state since the early 1980s,” said Hodges. “… we see an aggressiveness when driving that we haven’t seen for a long time.”
A vehicle and pedestrian accident on Tuesday night at South Congress and Little Texas Lane resulted in the 99th fatal accident in the city of Austin. Compared to this time last year there were 86 fatal accidents and 92 deaths.
ATCEMS: Cars hit by pedestrians on South Congress Ave, avoid the area
Drivers are asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes if possible.
“For some reason we have seen an increase in the number of deaths over the past two years,” Hodges said.
The Austin Transportation Department tells FOX 7 Austin that the worst accidents occur on faster and wider roads such as highways. A map from Vision Zero shows the badly injured roadways and the accident sites. The map shows highly concentrated areas along South 1st near Slaughter Lane and William Cannon Drive, East Riverside and Pleasant Valley, MLK Boulevard, Parmer Lane and Braker Lane.
However, Hodges says these accidents happen across the state. The most important thing people can do is be a respectful and responsible driver.
For 21 years, someone has died every day on a Texan street, says TxDOT
TxDOT is again pushing its # EndTheStreakTX campaign to urge drivers to make the best, safest decisions they can behind the wheel.
“That way, you can make sure that you, the loved ones you might have in your car, and the other people trying to get to their destination, get where they need to go,” she said.
For those traveling this holiday season, TxDOT would like to emphasize that more people will be on the road and road conditions may change. Travelers can find out about the current traffic situation online here.
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OTHER HEADINGS:
Expect busy days at ABIA during the Thanksgiving travel season
TSA is preparing for Thanksgiving trips to match pre-pandemic levels
AAA: Thanksgiving trip for recreation approaching pre-pandemic levels
City of Austin is testing new technology to reduce the number of pedestrians
For 21 years, someone has died every day on a Texan street, says TxDOT
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