M E M O R A N D U M - City of Austin

AUSTIN’S 2012 TRAFFIC CRASHES: QUICK FACTS
78 – the number of traffic fatalities in Austin during 2012;
42% – the percent increase in traffic fatalities on Austin’s roads from 2011 to
2012;
1 in 200 – the average rate of fatalities in Austin during 2012 (78 fatalities out
of 15,011 crashes);
93% – the percent increase in impaired drivers (alcohol/other drugs) involved
in fatalities from 2011 to 2012;
51% – the percentage of all traffic fatalities with alcohol or other drugs cited
as contributing factors (40 of 78 traffic fatalities) – includes those incidents
where one or more of the drivers, pedestrians or bicyclists was impaired;
50% – the percentage of all pedestrian traffic fatalities where the pedestrian
was intoxicated or under the influence of other drugs (13 of 26 pedestrian
fatalities) and where this contributed to the fatality;
1 of the 3 bicyclists killed in Austin was intoxicated;
33% – the percentage of all traffic fatalities where distracted driving (e.g.,
texting or other behavior) was estimated to be a contributing factor (26 of 78
traffic fatalities);
32% – the percentage of fatalities where speeding was cited as a contributing
factor (25 of 78);
18% – the percentage of fatalities where a seatbelt was not worn and thus
contributed to the fatality (14 of 78);
24% – the percentage of pedestrian fatalities where a pedestrian attempted
to cross the freeway mainlanes (6 of 26 pedestrian fatalities, 3 on I-35);
65% – the percentage of fatalities where a helmet was not worn by either a
motorcyclist or bicyclist (11 of 17);
Parmer Ln. at Lamar Blvd. – highest crash intersection in Austin during 2012
(34 crashes);
33% – the percentage of all traffic fatalities in 2012 where a pedestrian was
killed (26 of the 78 fatalities were pedestrians);
2 a.m. to 3 a.m. – Austin’s peak hour for all fatalities and incapacitating
injuries during 2012.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday – days in the week when fatalities can be most
expected.
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