New Study Finds the Lone Star State Among Least Safe States in America: What This Means for Your Family
A comprehensive new safety study has delivered sobering news for Texas residents: the Lone Star State ranks 48th out of 50 states in overall safety, placing it among the most dangerous places to live in America. Only Mississippi and Louisiana fared worse in WalletHub's 2024 analysis of state safety.
For Texans, these findings aren't just statistics—they represent real risks that families face every day on our roads, in our workplaces, and in our communities. At Kemmy Law Firm, we've seen firsthand how these safety challenges affect the lives of our neighbors across San Antonio, the Permian Basin, and beyond.
The Numbers Tell a Troubling Story
WalletHub's study evaluated all 50 states across 52 safety indicators in five key categories. Texas received failing grades across the board:
- Overall Safety Ranking: 48th out of 50 states
- Road Safety: 44th
- Emergency Preparedness: 48th
- Financial Safety: 38th
- Personal & Residential Safety: 39th
- Workplace Safety: 32nd
Perhaps most alarming? Texas ranked dead last—50th in the nation—for the highest share of uninsured population. This means when accidents happen, Texans are more likely than residents of any other state to be dealing with uninsured parties who cannot pay for the damages they cause.
What Poor Road Safety Rankings Mean for Texas Drivers
Texas' 44th place ranking in road safety should concern every driver in the state. Our roads are among the most dangerous in America, with higher rates of traffic fatalities, pedestrian deaths, and dangerous driving behaviors.
If you've been driving in Texas for any length of time, you've probably experienced this firsthand: aggressive drivers, distracted motorists on their phones, and poorly maintained roads. The statistics confirm what many Texans already know from experience—our roads are risky.
When you combine dangerous road conditions with Texas having the nation's highest rate of uninsured drivers, you have a perfect storm. You're more likely to be in an accident, and when that accident happens, there's a higher chance the other driver won't have insurance to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage.
The Uninsured Driver Crisis in Texas
Texas' rock-bottom ranking for uninsured population creates a cascade of problems for accident victims. When you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you can't simply file a claim against their insurance policy—because they don't have one, or it's not sufficient to cover your damages.
This is where having proper uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes critical. In Texas, insurance companies are required to offer you this coverage, but many drivers decline it without understanding the risks. Given that Texas has more uninsured drivers than any other state, protecting yourself with UM/UIM coverage isn't optional—it's essential.
Financial Insecurity Compounds the Problem
Texas' 38th place ranking in financial safety reveals another troubling reality: many Texans are one accident away from financial hardship. The study found that Texas residents have lower rates of emergency savings, higher poverty rates, and less financial cushion to handle unexpected expenses like medical bills from an accident.
When you're injured in a car crash, you're not just dealing with physical pain—you're facing lost income, mounting medical bills, and the stress of not knowing how you'll pay for everything. In a state where financial instability is already a problem, a serious accident can be financially devastating.
Why These Rankings Matter to Your Family
These statistics aren't abstract—they represent real dangers that affect Texans every day:
- Higher risk of serious accidents due to poor road conditions and dangerous driving behaviors
- Greater chance of dealing with uninsured drivers who can't pay for damages they cause
- Less financial protection when accidents happen
- Inadequate emergency preparedness for natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and severe weather
For families in San Antonio, Midland-Odessa, Hobbs, and throughout Texas, these rankings underscore an important reality: you need to be prepared for the possibility of an accident, and you need to know your rights when one occurs.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
While we can't change Texas' safety rankings overnight, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:
Review Your Insurance Coverage: Make sure you have adequate uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Given Texas' high rate of uninsured drivers, this coverage is your financial safety net.
Document Everything After an Accident: Take photos, get witness information, and report the accident to police—even if the other driver claims they'll "handle it privately." This documentation becomes crucial if you discover they don't have insurance.
Know When to Call an Attorney: If you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, dealing with the aftermath can be complicated. Your own insurance company may resist paying your UM/UIM claim, and determining whether the at-fault driver has any assets worth pursuing requires investigation.
Act Quickly: Texas law sets strict deadlines for filing injury claims. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and build a strong case.
When Texas' Safety Problems Become Your Problem
At Kemmy Law Firm, we've been helping Texas accident victims for more than 50 years. We've seen how the state's safety challenges affect real families—people who thought it couldn't happen to them until it did.
Whether you're dealing with an uninsured driver, fighting with your own insurance company over a UM/UIM claim, or navigating the aftermath of a serious accident, you don't have to face it alone. We understand Texas law, we know how insurance companies operate, and we have the experience to fight for the compensation you deserve.
The fact that Texas ranks among the least safe states in America isn't just a statistic—it's a wake-up call. It means we all need to be more vigilant, better prepared, and ready to stand up for our rights when something goes wrong.
Get the Help You Need
If you've been injured in an accident in Texas, especially if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, contact Kemmy Law Firm today. We offer free initial consultations, and we're only paid when you recover compensation.
With offices in San Antonio, Midland-Odessa, and Hobbs, NM, we're here to listen to your story and give you a realistic assessment of your case. Call [(830) 264-6297](tel:(830) 264-6297) today.
Don't let Texas' poor safety rankings become your personal crisis. Let our 50 years of combined legal experience and millions recovered for clients work for you.
