Wrong-Way Crash Kills a Respected Member of our Dallas Community
Today, we are mourning the tragic loss of Dallas Police Officer Jacob Arellano, who was killed in the line of duty when another driver collided with his car.
Arellano was a dedicated officer who served the Dallas community with distinction for over three years. He was a beloved father, son, and brother, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. This senseless tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers of wrong-way drivers.
My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Arellano’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
Dallas Wrong-way Crash Often Results in Death
Drunk driving is a serious problem in the United States, and wrong-way drivers are a major contributor to this problem. In Dallas, Texas, wrong-way drivers are responsible for a large number of crashes, and many of these crashes result in injuries or fatalities. For example, in Texas, a wrong way crash results in a deadly rollover accident every 90 hours and these accidents tend to occur most often on Friday nights and Saturday mornings because that is when drunk drivers are most likely to be out on the road.
According to statistics from the Dallas Police Department, wrong-way drivers were responsible for 24 crashes in the city in 2018. Of these crashes, four were fatal and 16 resulted in injuries. In addition, wrong-way drivers were involved in four hit-and-run crashes in Dallas in 2018. In Texas, head-on collisions account for nearly 10 percent of all traffic fatalities.
If you are involved in a head-on collision, the chances of being killed are very high. In fact, the fatality rate in head-on collisions is nearly twice as high as the fatality rate in other types of crashes.
Tips to Avoid a Head-On-Collision
Wrong-way driving is especially dangerous because it increases the risk of a head-on collision. Head-on collisions are among the most deadly types of crashes, and they are often caused by drunk drivers.
There are a number of steps you should take to avoid being involved in a head-on collision. Always wear your seatbelt. A seatbelt will be effective in preventing fatalities if you are in a head-on collision. Always pay attention to the road. If you see a wrong-way driver, do not attempt to pass them. Instead, call 911 and report the driver to the authorities.
Dallas Takes Steps to Stop Wrong-Way Drivers
To help reduce the number of wrong-way drivers in Dallas, the city has implemented a number of measures, including:
- Installing more signs and pavement markings that warn drivers of wrong-way driving·
- Increasing patrols of highways and freeways·
- Increasing the penalties for wrong-way driving·
- Working with local bars and restaurants to prevent drunk driving
Wrong-Way Crash Statistics by Texas City
At least 300 people lose their lives each year from wrong-way crashes nationwide. According to data gathered from 2013to 2017 by the National Transportation Safety Board, Texas led the nation with 1,355 wrong-way crashes, resulting in 476deaths. Dallas accounts for 158 wrong-way crashes in that time, killing 95 people.
From the latter half of 2007 to the end of 2016, there were 476 wrong-way crashes on Dallas freeways, 32 of which ended in fatalities, resulting in 48 deaths. Dallas comprised 36 percent of the wrong-way crashes on Texas roads, which is why Dallas roads are often listed as some of the most dangerous in Texas.
- In Houston, there were 54 wrong-way crashes in 2018. Of these, eight were fatal and 46 resulted in injuries.
- In Odessa, there were six wrong-way crashes in 2018. Of these, two were fatal and four resulted in injuries.
- In Tyler, there were four wrong-way crashes in 2018. Of these, one was fatal and three resulted in injuries.
- In Fort Worth, there were nine wrong-way crashes in 2018. Of these, one was fatal and eight resulted in injuries.
