Latest news with #TheTexasLawDog
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Surprising Gender Parity Trends Uncovered in Fatal Crash Rates Across Ten States
Dallas, Texas — July 2025 New findings from The Texas Law Dog reveal that gender disparities in fatal car crashes are narrowing in specific states across the country. While men still account for the majority of driver deaths, a five-year review shows that women in certain regions are approaching comparable fatality rates behind the wheel. Using data from 2018 through 2022, researchers at The Texas Law Dog analyzed crash statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. By pairing those with licensing figures from the Federal Highway Administration, the team calculated average annual driver fatalities per 100,000 licensed male and female drivers. Their goal was to identify states where women are more likely than average to be involved in deadly traffic incidents. Alaska led the rankings with a male-to-female fatality ratio of 2.79. That means men were just under three times more likely to die in fatal crashes than women. Male drivers in Alaska averaged 11.80 fatalities annually, while women averaged 4.23. Idaho followed as the second most balanced state, with a ratio of 2.93 and fatality averages of 19.08 for men and 6.52 for women. New Hampshire placed third with a ratio of 2.97, based on annual fatality rates of 11.45 for men and 3.85 for women per 100,000 licensed drivers. Oklahoma took the fourth spot with a flat 3.00 ratio, despite having one of the highest male driver fatality rates among the top ten, at 27.95. Female drivers in Oklahoma had an average of 9.31 fatalities, pointing to elevated risk for both genders. Montana, Mississippi, Delaware, Kansas, Nebraska, and Alabama round out the top ten. Each state shows a male-to-female fatality ratio between 3.06 and 3.21. Despite these tighter gaps compared to national averages, male drivers in all ten states remain substantially more vulnerable to fatal crashes than women. Alabama holds the tenth position with a ratio of 3.21. Over the five-year period, Alabama recorded 25.68 annual male fatalities per 100,000 licensed drivers, compared to 7.99 for female drivers. Although the gap is narrower here than in most other states, the disparity still points to a persistent pattern. Delaware and Mississippi share a ratio of 3.12, but Mississippi stands out with exceptionally high overall fatality figures. Male drivers in Mississippi averaged 36.14 fatalities annually, nearly three times the rate seen among female drivers at 11.59. In Kansas, the average was 21.90 male fatalities and 7.01 female fatalities, leading to a 3.13 ratio. Nebraska came in ninth with rates of 17.77 for men and 5.58 for women. These figures position the state just ahead of Alabama in terms of gender parity. Texas, the home state of The Texas Law Dog, did not place among the top ten. Instead, it ranks 30th, with a higher male-to-female fatality ratio of 3.62. In Texas, the annual average fatality rate stands at 21.70 for male drivers and 6.00 for female drivers, indicating that men are more than three and a half times as likely to be involved in fatal collisions. Researchers at The Texas Law Dog emphasize that these findings should not be misinterpreted as a sign of safety improvements for male drivers. Rather, the closer fatality rates suggest that female drivers in these regions may be exposed to increasing risk. Several factors could be influencing these shifts, including differences in vehicle usage, road conditions, commuting patterns, and regional enforcement strategies. The data highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions. Public officials can use this information to develop focused education campaigns, traffic enforcement policies, and driver safety programs that consider gender differences and local risk profiles. States showing narrower gaps may benefit from enhanced public safety tools that are reaching both male and female audiences more effectively. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Behind the Wheel and Under the Influence: What Driving Data Reveals About America's Cannabis Shift
As the legalization of recreational cannabis spreads across the country, a new concern is emerging on America's highways. According to a study published by The Texas Law Dog, states where cannabis is legal for recreational use are reporting a concerning rise in car crashes and road fatalities. These trends suggest that the push for cannabis freedom may be unintentionally fueling a public safety crisis. Legalization on the Rise, So Are Crashes In 2011, recreational marijuana was illegal nationwide. As of 2025, 25 states allow adult-use cannabis, and the results on roadways are becoming harder to ignore. The Texas Law Dog's report found that the widespread legalization of marijuana is linked to a 6% increase in motor vehicle crashes and a 4% increase in fatal crashes nationwide. Individual state data provides even starker illustrations. In Oregon, crash fatalities have increased by 22% since legalization. Alaska and Colorado have seen fatal crash spikes of 20% and 16%, respectively, while California reports a 14% rise. These increases aren't isolated they're part of a growing national trend. Cannabis and Driving: A Deadly Mix As marijuana becomes more accessible, its use is also becoming more casual. By 2019, nearly one in five Americans aged 12 or older reported using cannabis up from just 11% in 2002. More troubling is that a significant portion of users are taking to the roads while impaired. The Texas Law Dog analysis revealed that 85% of cannabis users admit to driving the same day they consume the drug, with over half doing so within an hour. These findings are critical, given marijuana's well-documented impact on reaction time, attention, and coordination. Cannabis is also emerging as a dominant factor in fatal crashes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cannabis involvement in fatal accidents surpassed alcohol for the first time accounting for 33% of deaths compared to alcohol's 29%. The Challenge of Poly-Substance Use The threat of cannabis-impaired driving becomes more complex when other substances are involved. The study highlights that pre-pandemic, 18% of drivers involved in fatal crashes had multiple drugs in their systems. Post-pandemic, that figure climbed to 25%. This trend poses challenges not just for enforcement, but also for toxicology and crash analysis. Determining whether cannabis was the primary impairment in such cases becomes increasingly difficult when alcohol or other drugs are also present. A Tale of Two Policies: Medical vs. Recreational Interestingly, not all cannabis laws have had the same effect on public safety. States with legalized recreational cannabis saw a 4–6% increase in crash rates. Meanwhile, states with only medical cannabis programs experienced a reduction in traffic fatalities between 8% and 11%. This discrepancy may stem from how cannabis is distributed and consumed in these states. Recreational laws tend to widen access without the same medical oversight, potentially leading to more frequent and unregulated use by the general public. A False Sense of Security Behind the Wheel One of the most revealing aspects of The Texas Law Dog's findings is the disconnect between perceived and actual risk. While 70% of users said driving within an hour of cannabis use was 'highly dangerous,' and 93% believed their friends or family would disapprove, many still drive high. Why the contradiction? Nearly 30% of users believe law enforcement wouldn't be able to detect their impairment. With limited roadside tools to measure THC levels and no national threshold for cannabis DUI, many drivers feel they can get away with it. The Legal Patchwork Fuels Public Confusion Differences in cannabis laws from state to state only add to the problem. In Alaska, recreational users can carry up to one ounce, but medical users may possess up to 2.5 ounces every two weeks. In California, medical patients are allowed eight ounces. In some states, like Idaho and Nebraska, all cannabis possession is still illegal. This legal inconsistency creates a minefield of confusion for both law enforcement and drivers, especially those crossing state lines. Uniform standards on THC limits and impaired driving penalties could go a long way in closing these gaps. Solutions That Balance Freedom and Safety Legalizing cannabis doesn't have to mean compromising traffic safety. The Texas Law Dog study calls for a smarter approach to impaired driving prevention. Among the proposed strategies: Development of reliable roadside THC testing Standardized DUI laws across state lines Expanded public education on cannabis impairment Stronger restrictions on driving post-use Increased funding for drug-impaired driving research States that legalize cannabis should do so with a parallel commitment to traffic safety. That includes investing in law enforcement training, refining legislation, and ensuring that public messaging keeps up with the pace of policy reform. Conclusion: Freedom Without Responsibility Isn't Freedom at All The movement toward cannabis legalization shows no signs of slowing, but the data shows a clear cost: more crashes, more deaths, and more uncertainty on the road. The Texas Law Dog's study reveals a growing risk that demands a balanced, evidence-based response. As lawmakers navigate the future of drug policy, ensuring public safety must remain part of the equation. Because every right, including the right to use cannabis, carries a responsibility especially when lives are on the line. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
10 Safest Electric Vehicles for Families This Year
With more space, improved driving range on a single charge and fewer maintenance worries, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a more popular choice for families. But safety matters more than ever and not all EVs are created equal. Trending Now: For You: A recent study by The Texas Law Dog set out to rank the safest options for families in 2025. Each EV was evaluated for its fatal crash rate per 1,000 vehicles, how many child seats it can handle and how safe those seats are judged to be once installed, per Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rankings. Volume and passenger capacity also weighed in, because a family car that's safe but cramped doesn't cut it. The result is a safety score out of 100. Below are the ten of the safest EVs with the highest scores. Safety score: 91.32 Average price: $61,695 Crashes per 1000 cars: 0.7554 Child Seat Safety Score: Good+ The Q7 leads with a high safety score and a low crash rate. At $61,695, it's not the cheapest option, but it delivers on every metric that counts. Check Out: Safety score: 86.64 Average price: $48,485 Crashes per 1000 cars: 1.6183 Child Seat Safety Score: Good+ The Pilot has strong child seat compatibility and a Good+ rating across all four available seat positions. Its higher crash rate of 1.6 per 1,000 cars pulls the score down slightly, but the $48,485 price point makes it a practical option. Safety score: 85.76 Average price: $42,765 Crashes per 1000 cars: 0.7883 Child Seat Safety Score: Good+ The Ascent hits a balance between safety and value. At $42,765, it's the most affordable in the top three, while still seating seven and offering 153.50 cubic feet of room. Safety score: 84.11 Average price: $41,406 Crashes per 1000 cars: 0.1057 Child Seat Safety Score: Acceptable The Palisade offers one of the lowest crash rates in the top five, at just 0.11 per 1,000 vehicles. Three child seats fit, although the child seat safety score is only Acceptable. Safety score: 83.28 Average price: $46,725 Crashes per 1000 cars: 0.9081 Child Seat Safety Score: Good+ The QX60 balances safety and luxury, seating seven with 140.60 cubic feet of space. Safety score: 80.46 Average price: $45,700 Crashes per 1000 cars: 2.8139 Child Seat Safety Score: Good+ The most spacious EV on the list at 163.60 cubic feet, the Odyssey also has the highest crash rate, at 2.8 per 1,000. Safety score: 80.32 Average price: $38,220 Crashes per 1000 cars: 0.0061 Child Seat Safety Score: Good+ This compact option has the lowest crash rate of all the EVs on the list, at 0.0061 per 1,000 vehicles. Safety score: 79.08 Average price: $48,490 Crashes per 1000 cars: 0.0482 Child Seat Safety Score: Acceptable While the Model Y remains a safe pick, Tesla's broader reputation has taken a hit as Musk's political behavior draws criticism, according to CNN — raising concerns about long-term brand stability and resale value. Safety score: 78.96 Average price: $64,275 Crashes per 1000 cars: 1.6217 Child Seat Safety Score: Good+ This premium SUV costs $64,275 and seats seven, fitting three child seats with a Good+ child seat safety score. Safety score: 77.63 Average price: $46,195 Crashes per 1000 cars: 0.0255 Child Seat Safety Score: Good The X1 rounds out the list with a safety score of 77.63 and the second lowest crash rate at 0.0255 per 1,000. More From GOBankingRates 6 Used Luxury SUVs That Are a Good Investment for Retirees How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region 7 Overpriced Grocery Items Frugal People Should Quit Buying in 2025 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable Engines Sources The Texas Law Dog, 'The Top 10 Safest Vehicles For Families.' This article originally appeared on 10 Safest Electric Vehicles for Families This Year
Associated Press
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers Announces 2024 Scholarship Winner
The Texas Law Dog Proudly Announces Kayla Vaughn as the Winner of the $1,000 2024 Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers Animal Rescue Scholarship ARLINGTON, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / March 14, 2025 / Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers (The Texas Law Dog) offered a $1,000 Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers Animal Rescue Scholarship for 2024. The firm proudly announces Kayla Vaughn as the recipient of the scholarship, which she can apply to her tuition, room, board, and other potential educational expenses. Kayla Vaughn applied for the scholarship due to her passion for animal welfare. She has three rescue dogs who have taught her empathy and brought her joy over the years. She qualified for the scholarship as a student at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she currently studies computer science. The Texas Law Dog selected Ms. Vaughn based on the strength of her essay and her dedication to animals. Vaughn has volunteered at Forest Lane Animal Clinic in Dallas and dedicates her time to fundraising events and spreading awareness about responsible pet ownership. After her graduation, Vaughn plans to explore options for using technology to support animal-related causes. She's expressed an interest in creating a game featuring animals, with the proceeds benefiting animal rescues, or building a social media platform that helps raise awareness and supports animal shelters. Students interested in applying for the Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers Animal Rescue Scholarship for 2025 can prepare to apply until September 30, 2025. The firm has increased the scholarship award to $2,500 for 2025, providing more financial support to students. Students who want to apply will need to complete an original 750-word essay. The scholarship is available to: Students should prepare to provide proof of their enrollment and academic standing when they apply. Individuals interested in learning more about the scholarship can review the Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers website. About the Texas Law Dog Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers has years of experience representing injured victims in Texas. The firm's founder, Matthew E. Aulsbrook, grew up in Texas and worked in the insurance industry before becoming an attorney. Aulsbrook and the rest of the team at the Texas Law Dog assist clients who sustain injuries and financial losses due to another party's negligence. The firm provides dedicated support to clients and handles personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. The legal team provides a community-focused service designed to deal with all legal challenges. Interested parties can get additional information about The Texas Law Dog and the services provided by the firm by reaching out to the law office. The firm is available by phone or online. The firm can also provide additional information about upcoming scholarship opportunities. Attorney at Law 817-775-5364 LDOG
