Motor Vehicle-Related Flood Fatalities in Texas, 1959–2008

Abstract

The number of related fatalities is one of the most essential socioeconomic characteristics of a natural disaster as death is the most serious and irreversible consequence of a disaster. Texas leads the nation in flash flood fatalities. From 1959 through 2008 the flood fatalities in Texas (839) were more than three times the fatalities in the next leading state, Pennsylvania (265). Flood fatalities in Texas represent a serious public health problem. Flood fatality statistics were extracted from National Climatic Data Center Storm Data publications. Review of the flood fatalities, where the death circumstances are provided, reveals that most fatalities are motor vehicle related (77%). Data analysis indicates that, in Texas, males are much more likely to be the victims of motor vehicle–related flood accidents than are females. Most motor vehicle–related fatalities happened at night (56%). Most fatalities resulted from flash floods. Spatial analysis indicates that the highest numbers of fatalities occur in counties having major urban areas. Flood fatalities in Texas can be reduced through a combination of improved hydrometeorological forecasting, educational programs aimed at enhancing the public awareness of flood risk and the seriousness of flood warnings, and timely and appropriate action by local emergency and safety authorities.