A recent research report by McKay Law PLLC highlights a significant concern in East Texas, revealing that the region has a traffic fatality rate that is 77% higher than the state average. The study, which examined various types of accidents—including 18-wheeler truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian fatalities, and accidents involving passenger vehicles—indicates that preventable incidents are claiming hundreds of lives each year and resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses for local communities.
Released on November 10, 2025, the 40-page white paper titled ‘East Texas Traffic Safety Crisis: A Comprehensive Analysis of Rising Motor Vehicle Accidents and Legal Accountability’ provides one of the most thorough assessments of motor vehicle accidents in the area to date. Lindsey McKay, the founding partner of McKay Law PLLC, emphasized the human impact of these statistics, stating that every number reflects a person whose life has been irrevocably altered by these accidents, underscoring the report’s assertion that this is not merely a traffic issue but a public health crisis requiring urgent action.
The report presents sobering facts about the broader trends across Texas: in 2024, the state recorded the highest traffic fatalities in the nation with 4,150 deaths, averaging one fatality every two hours and seven minutes. Of particular concern is the disproportionate number of commercial vehicle accidents, which totaled 39,393, resulting in 608 fatalities and serious injuries. The research indicates that East Texas, affected by heavy traffic from the oil and gas industry, experiences an especially high rate of such accidents.
Motorcycle safety is also a growing issue; the report noted a 7% increase in motorcycle fatalities in 2024, with many riders not adhering to helmet laws. Furthermore, vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, faced grave dangers, as evidenced by the 768 pedestrian fatalities recorded throughout the year, despite their involvement in only a fraction of all crashes.
Geographically, the report reveals significant disparities, particularly in rural areas where more than half of all traffic deaths occur, even with a lower population density. Major corridors such as I-20 and US 69 are cited as frequent sites of severe collisions.
In terms of legal accountability, the white paper discusses record-breaking settlements that demonstrate the commitment to hold negligent parties accountable. Noteworthy verdicts include a $730 million wrongful death settlement regarded as one of the largest in U.S. history, highlighting a growing trend toward holding corporations responsible for safety lapses.
The report identifies several root causes contributing to the region’s elevated accident rates, including infrastructure challenges—like inadequate lighting and emergency response times—and human factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and failure to use seat belts.
To address these alarming findings, McKay Law’s research provides several actionable recommendations, including increased investment in highway safety improvements, stricter enforcement of commercial vehicle regulations, and expanded awareness campaigns focusing on motorcycle and pedestrian safety.
By establishing a culture of safety and prioritizing preventive measures, stakeholders in East Texas can aim for a significant reduction in the tragic toll from traffic accidents, transforming the current crisis into a proactive strategy for safer roads in the region.
The full research report, drawing on credible sources such as the Texas Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is available for download at McKayLawtx.com. McKay Law PLLC, with offices in Dallas, Tyler, and Sulphur Springs, provides legal representation for those affected by motor vehicle accidents, demonstrating a commitment to advocating for victims and promoting road safety.