Texas has long been known for its sprawling highways, booming population, and fast‑growing cities. But a new analysis from Texas Law Dog reveals a troubling reality behind the state’s rapid growth: Texas is now one of the nation’s most dangerous places for hit‑and‑run crashes, consistently ranking near the top across nearly every major category of fatal incidents.
The study examines five years of federal crash data and shows that Texas is not just part of a national trend — it is one of the states driving it. From pedestrian deaths to speeding‑related crashes to incidents involving unlicensed or uninsured drivers, Texas repeatedly appears at or near the top of the rankings.
The numbers paint a picture of a state grappling with a complex and growing public‑safety challenge.
Texas Ranks Second in the Nation for Fatal Hit‑and‑Runs
Between 2019 and 2023, Texas recorded 973 fatal hit‑and‑run crashes, the second‑highest total in the country behind only California. Florida, another high‑traffic state, ranked third.
Top States for Fatal Hit‑and‑Runs (2019–2023)
- California: 2,178
- Texas: 973
- Florida: 1,260
Texas’ position near the top is not a one‑off anomaly — it appears again and again across the study’s breakdowns.
Pedestrians Face the Greatest Danger in Texas
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in Texas, and the data shows just how severe the risk has become.
Texas recorded 973 pedestrian hit‑and‑run deaths, second only to California’s 1,485.
Pedestrian Hit‑and‑Run Fatalities
- California: 1,485
- Texas: 973
- Florida: 749
These numbers reflect the challenges of fast‑growing cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin — places where walkability has increased, but infrastructure and enforcement haven’t always kept pace.
Speeding: A Major Contributor to Texas Fatalities
Speeding is the leading factor in fatal hit‑and‑runs nationwide, and Texas is no exception. The state recorded 355 speeding‑related hit‑and‑run deaths, the second‑highest total in the country.
Speeding‑Related Hit‑and‑Run Fatalities
- California: 597
- Texas: 355
- Illinois: 166
Texas’ wide highways and high speed limits create conditions where crashes are more likely to be severe — and where drivers may be more tempted to flee.
Texas Leads the Nation in Distracted‑Driving Hit‑and‑Runs
One of the most striking findings in the study is Texas’ position as the number‑one state for fatal hit‑and‑runs involving distracted drivers. The state recorded 165 such deaths, far ahead of Illinois (129) and New Mexico (74).
Top States for Distracted‑Driving Hit‑and‑Run Fatalities
- Texas: 165
- Illinois: 129
- New Mexico: 74
This category reflects the growing challenge of smartphone use behind the wheel — a problem that has escalated nationwide but is particularly acute in Texas.
Impaired Driving: Texas Again Near the Top
Texas also ranks second in the nation for fatal hit‑and‑runs involving impaired drivers, with 101 deaths. Only California recorded more.
Impaired‑Driving Hit‑and‑Run Fatalities
- California: 184
- Texas: 101
- Florida: 41
These numbers highlight how often impaired drivers choose to flee — often to avoid severe legal consequences.
Uninsured and Unlicensed Drivers: A Hidden Crisis in Texas
The study reveals two categories where Texas stands out sharply: crashes involving uninsured and unlicensed drivers.
Uninsured Drivers
Texas recorded 12 fatal hit‑and‑runs involving uninsured drivers, ranking third behind Illinois (39) and Tennessee (31).
Unlicensed Drivers
This is where Texas leads the nation. The state recorded 319 fatal hit‑and‑runs involving unlicensed drivers — the highest total in the country. California followed with 235.
This category alone underscores a major enforcement challenge: drivers who should not be on the road are contributing to hundreds of fatal incidents.
Police Pursuits: Texas Near the Top Again
Texas recorded 32 fatal hit‑and‑runs involving a police pursuit, second only to California’s 38.
These cases represent some of the most dangerous situations on Texas roads — moments when drivers attempt to escape law enforcement and end up causing deadly harm.
Who Is Dying in Texas Hit‑and‑Runs?
The demographic breakdown reveals a clear pattern.
Texas Hit‑and‑Run Fatalities by Age
- 16–20: 135
- 21–24: 192
- 25–34: 399
- 35–44: 244
- 45–64: 264
- 65+: 74
Men aged 25–34 make up the largest group of victims — a trend that mirrors national patterns.
Texas Hit‑and‑Run Fatalities by Gender
- Men: 1,023
- Women: 285
The overwhelming majority of victims are men, particularly young adult men.
Why Texas Stands Out
The study doesn’t assign blame, but the patterns point to several contributing factors unique to Texas:
- High traffic volume in rapidly growing metro areas
- Long, high‑speed highways where severe crashes are more likely
- A high proportion of pickup trucks and large vehicles, which can increase crash severity
- Rising distracted‑driving rates
- A significant number of unlicensed and uninsured drivers
- Nighttime driving risks, especially for pedestrians
Texas’ transportation system is built for speed and scale — and the data shows the consequences when things go wrong.
A Statewide Challenge That Demands Attention
The Texas Law Dog study makes one thing clear: Texas is at the center of America’s hit‑and‑run crisis. The state ranks near the top in nearly every major category, from pedestrian deaths to distracted driving to unlicensed drivers.
These numbers aren’t just statistics — they represent families, communities, and lives cut short.
Texas’ rapid growth has brought enormous opportunity, but it has also created new challenges on the road. Addressing them will require coordinated efforts across law enforcement, infrastructure planning, driver education, and public awareness.
