Three Killed in Southeast Austin Crash After Car Falls From SH 130
AUSTIN, Texas — Tragedy struck early Sunday morning on SH 130 near Tesla Road in Travis County, Texas, when three women lost their lives in a single-vehicle crash.
Incident Details
According to CBS Austin News & Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS), the incident occurred around 2:38 am on the southbound lanes of SH 130, between the 700 and 120 block. A single vehicle reportedly veered off the highway and landed on its roof on Tesla Road.
ATCEMS personnel responded to the scene and found all three occupants pinned inside the vehicle. Despite their efforts to extricate and treat the victims, all three were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed the incident and reported that troopers arrived on the scene around 3:00 am. They also confirmed the fatalities of the three female occupants.
This tragic accident highlights the dangers of high-speed driving. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there have been 381 crashes on the two-mile stretch of SH 130 near Tesla Road from 2023 to present, with seven of them being fatal. It’s important to remember that even on roads with high speed limits, it’s crucial to drive cautiously and within the safe operating speed for the conditions.
2022 Texas Traffic Accident Statistics
The following information about Texas and San Antonio accidents was provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):
- 4,481 people were killed in Texas traffic crashes in 2022, marking a .36% decrease from the 4,497 deaths reported in 2021.
- 51.42% of traffic deaths occurred in rural areas of the state, and 636 deaths were attributed to head-on collisions.
- An additional 15,299 people were injured in Texas traffic crashes in 2021 with 18,880 people suffering serious, incapacitating injuries.
- Based on reportable crash data for the year:
- One person was killed in a crash in Texas every 1 hour and 57 minutes
- A person was injured every 2 minutes and 9 seconds
- A reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds
Cruising Safely in Texas: A Guide to Speed Limits
Sticking to the speed limit in Austin is especially crucial. The city has a growing pedestrian population and high-speed roads like SH 130. Following the posted limits allows more time to react to potential hazards, keeping everyone safer on the road.
1. Increased Safety: Following the speed limit is the most crucial reason, as it significantly reduces the risk of accidents and fatalities for both yourself and others on the road. Higher speeds lead to shorter reaction times, increased stopping distances, and greater impact forces in collisions, all of which contribute to more severe outcomes.
2. Reduced Risk of Tickets and Fines: Speeding violations come with fines, points on your license, and potentially higher insurance rates. Sticking to the limit saves you money and keeps your driving record clean.
3. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Vehicles generally achieve their optimal fuel economy at speeds around the posted limit. Exceeding the limit can significantly decrease your gas mileage, impacting your wallet and contributing to environmental concerns.
4. Enhanced Situational Awareness: Driving at a controlled speed allows you to process information more effectively, giving you more time to react to unexpected situations, pedestrians, and other vehicles. This promotes safer and more confident driving.
5. Reduced Stress and Frustration: Speeding can often lead to feelings of impatience and frustration, especially in congested traffic. Maintaining a safe speed allows for a calmer and more relaxed driving experience, both for yourself and your passengers.
6. Respecting the Law and Others: Following the speed limit demonstrates your respect for the law and the safety of others on the road. It sets a positive example for other drivers and contributes to a safer driving environment for everyone.
7. Promoting a Culture of Safety: By consciously choosing to follow the speed limit, you contribute to a collective effort towards creating a safer driving culture. This benefits everyone who utilizes the roads, from drivers and passengers to cyclists and pedestrians.
Contact an Experienced Austin Auto Accident Attorney
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car crash? Our experienced Austin car accident lawyers are available 24/7 to take your call and provide you with a free consultation. Thomas J. Henry has a track record of achieving real results for clients suffering from serious and debilitating car accident injuries and was selected as one of the 2021’s Best Car Accident Lawyers in Austin by Expertise.
Let our attorneys navigate the legal process and deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on getting better. Call today to speak with an attorney or fill out the contact form on this page and we will contact you.
Our Austin, Texas Personal Injury Law Offices:
- Phone Number: (512) 520-0221 (attorneys available 24/7, nights and weekends)
- Address: 4401 West Gate Blvd Suite 200, Austin, TX 78745 (walk-in Monday through Friday)
