Austin Sees Deadly Increase in Car Accidents After Weekend Fatalities

Three deadly auto vs. pedestrian crashes during the first weekend of December 2021, has Austin, Texas city officials on edge as 2021 creeps toward one of the deadliest car crash years in recent history. In fact, the Austin Police Department is reporting an increase in crash fatalities this year than in 2020. 

According to the Austin Police Department, the agency has responded to 102 fatal traffic collisions in 2021—resulting in 110 fatalities. Around this time last year, the city reported 76 crashes that resulted in 81 deaths. 

While the city has made efforts to curb fatal collisions involving pedestrians this year alone 27 people have died in auto vs. pedestrian crashes and 54 others were seriously injured. 

Where did the three auto vs pedestrian crashes occur?

According to a Transportation Department spokesperson said two-thirds of traffic deaths this year in the city occurred during sundown between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. Austin-Travis County EMS responded to three auto-pedestrian crashes on December 4.  

• At 2:43 a.m., the agency tweeted they responded to a traffic fatality on Menchaca Rd.
• Then at 5:07 a.m., the agency reported another traffic fatality on southbound IH-35.
• Later that evening, the agency reported responding to a traffic scene with critical and life-threatening injuries near the intersection of W. William Cannon Dr. and Cooper Lane.

Have there been improvements to Austin’s infrastructure?

According to city officials, improved street designs such as thicker paint on crosswalks and reflective glass beads to increase visibility is helping. Officials report that the rate of serious and deadly crashes has decreased on high injury roadways where they’ve made safety improvements. 

The Carlson Law Firm can help

The Carlson Law Firm has long been dedicated to helping residents in Austin stay safe while operating motor vehicles or being on foot near where cars are being operated. Our team of compassionate injury lawyers have long been dedicated to ensuring your rights are protected when you or a loved one has been hurt or killed. A serious injury requires a serious lawyer. Contact our firm to schedule a free case review with a member of our team at 800-359-5690.

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