MoPac Expressway Single-Vehicle Crash Claims Life in Austin

December 11th, 2023 by Courtney Goren

Tragedy struck Austin, Texas, on Thursday, November 9th, 2023, when a single-vehicle crash claimed a life near the 9500 block of the MoPac Expressway.

Incident Details

According to KXAN Austin, a 29-year-old Austin resident sadly lost her life in a car crash on the MoPac Expressway. Around 1:45 AM, her vehicle collided with a concrete median near the 9500 block.

The impact of the crash ejected the driver from the vehicle. Authorities report she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Emergency responders rushed her to the hospital, but she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.

Details surrounding the incident remain limited as the investigation continues. Authorities haven’t released further information at this time.

Importance of Seatbelt Safety

In 2021, a staggering 26,325 people lost their lives on American roads as passengers in vehicles. Tragically, nearly half of them (around 13,000) weren’t wearing seat belts. This simple safety measure, often taken for granted, could save countless lives.

Studies Show the Impact:

• Seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in the US alone in 2017.
• Globally, the World Health Organization estimates seat belts could prevent an additional 105,000 deaths every year.
• If you buckle up in the front seat of a passenger car, you can reduce your risk of:
  • Fatal injury by 45% (Kahane, 2015)
  • Moderate to critical injury by 50%
• If you buckle up in a light truck, you can reduce your risk of:
  • Fatal injury by 60% (Kahane, 2015)
  • Moderate to critical injury by 65% (NHTSA, 1984)

Seatbelt Safety Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Injury in an Accident

1. Buckle Up Every Time, Every Trip: No matter how short the drive, make buckling up a non-negotiable habit. Even low-speed collisions can cause serious injuries without a seatbelt.
2. Train Yourself and Passengers: Just like putting on shoes, getting buckled up should be automatic. Encourage your passengers to do the same, and remind them if needed.
3. Ensure Proper Fit: A snug lap belt across your hips, not your stomach, and a shoulder belt crossing your chest, not your neck, are key. Children need age-appropriate car seats or booster seats for optimal protection.
4. Never Skip the Shoulder Belt: It’s not just for comfort! The shoulder belt restrains your upper body in a crash. Don’t put it behind your back or under your arm – wear it properly.
5. Keep it Loose, Not Too Loose: The belt shouldn’t be too tight or constricting, but it shouldn’t hang loose either. Aim for two fingers comfortably fitting under the lap belt.
6. Regularly Inspect Your Seatbelts: Look for signs of wear and tear, like fraying or damage. Replace them immediately if they show any concerns.
7. It’s a Matter of Life and Death: Even in low-speed crashes, unrestrained occupants can be ejected from the vehicle or slam into the interior, causing severe injuries or death.