Impact of the Oil and Gas Industry on Midland Car Accidents 

Approximately 14% of the oil produced in the United States originates from Midland, Texas, which serves as the anchor of the Permian Basin, a global leader in oil and gas production. Growth and prosperity have resulted from this economic boom. Midland's roads are now among the most dangerous in Texas, nevertheless. Regular trips have become more hazardous due to the increase in car accidents resulting from heavy truck traffic and fatigued oilfield workers. At A2X Law, our nationwide team specializes in personal injury and catastrophic injury cases, including those related to oilfield accidents and car crashes. If you’ve been injured in a Midland car accident, request a consultation today to protect your rights. 

Heavy Truck Traffic: A Major Contributor to Car Accidents 

The oil and gas boom has flooded Midland’s roads with commercial vehicles, putting heavy strain on infrastructure that was never designed for such intense use. Roads like U.S. Route 285, referred to as "Death Highway", and State Highway 349 accommodate thousands of trucks per day that are transporting water, sand, equipment, and oil. These powerful tankers and 18-wheelers sometimes weigh in at 80,000 pounds, often requiring considerably longer stopping distances than other vehicles, which increases the chance of major crashes.  

• Surge in Truck-Related Crashes:  Since the drilling boom began in 2016, commercial vehicle accidents in the Midland-Odessa area have increased by 160%, with fatalities rising by 122%. In 2018, the Permian Basin saw 485 deaths and 1,321 injuries from oil and gas truck crashes statewide, with Midland and Ector Counties experiencing nearly double the fatal car accidents involving trucks. 
• Worsening Roads:  Rural roads and highways, which are designed for lighter loads and lower traffic volumes, are deteriorating due to the increased wear from the heavy loads they are now carrying. Potholes, cracks, and maintenance issues can cause crashes, rollovers, and rear-end collisions. There were 13% more crashes involving trucks in oil-producing countries in 2018 than in 2017, and fatalities increased by 20%.  
• Permian-Specific Risks:  Trucks carrying hazardous materials pose an explosion risk. At the same time, West Texas dust storms and high winds reduce visibility, making congested routes even more dangerous for passenger vehicles. 

These trucks don’t just increase accident frequency; they make crashes more deadly. A collision between a car and an 18-wheeler often results in catastrophic outcomes, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or fatalities, leaving victims and families facing immense challenges. 

Oilfield Workers: Fatigue and Inexperience on the Roads 

Oilfield workers drive Midland’s economy, but their grueling schedules contribute significantly to car accidents. Long shifts, often 12 to 14 hours or more, followed by hurried commutes in company vans or personal vehicles, create a dangerous mix of fatigue and urgency. 

• Fatigue-Driven Accidents: Exhausted workers, often coming off 24-hour shifts, drive on unfamiliar rural roads at high speeds. The probability of accidents in the Permian Basin is 12 times higher than the national average because of tired drivers. With 56 fatalities in Texas between 2017 and 2019, motor vehicle crashes are the top cause of mortality for oil and gas workers, according to a CDC analysis.  
• New and Inexperienced Drivers: The oil boom has attracted thousands of workers to Midland, many of whom lack local road knowledge or proper commercial driver’s license (CDL) training. Midland’s population grew 8% in recent years, adding 33,000 vehicles since 2014 and boosting traffic volume by 33%. Inexperienced drivers in SUVs or pickups navigating roads with a high concentration of trucks increase the risk of car accidents. 
• Industry Demands: The oil industry’s fast pace pushes workers to rush, leading to distracted or impaired driving. Nearly 40% of oil and gas worker fatalities are linked to motor vehicle accidents, per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. 

These elements create hazardous situations: a fatigued worker in a van veers into a sedan, or a hurried driver collides with a tanker. This almost always results in serious injuries to occupants of the car, and it adds to the safety issue on Midland’s roads.   

The Devastating Impact on Midland’s Community 

Car accidents tied to the oil and gas industry take a heavy toll on Midland’s residents. Between 2000 and 2013, traffic fatalities increased by 47% in Midland County, and commercial trucks were responsible for 36% of fatal accidents across the state. The Permian Basin comprises less than 2% of the state’s population but represents 10% of roadway deaths in Texas. Victims of truck-related accidents face medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma that are often not fully compensated by the insurance company.  

The economic implications are substantial. Medical costs for catastrophic injuries can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars, along with lost productivity, costs of the vehicle, and all burden families and local resources. Families experiencing wrongful deaths go through the emotional hardship of loss and the economic hardship that also accompanies it. Although infrastructure upgrades, such as those suggested by the Permian Road Safety Coalition, are in progress, they lag behind the region's rapid growth and leave drivers to deal with unsafe driving conditions.  

Safety Tips for Midland Drivers 

Although long-term fixes such as highway widening deserve attention, drivers can take immediate steps to reduce risk:  



• Maintain Safe Distances:  Keep extra space from heavy trucks to account for their longer stopping times. 
• Avoid Peak Traffic Hours:  Steer clear of early mornings and late afternoons when oilfield workers and trucks are most active. 
• Report Road Hazards: If you encounter potholes, debris on the road, or other hazards, please report them to TxDOT so they can be repaired before an accident occurs.  
• Stay Vigilant:  Watch for signs of fatigued or distracted drivers, especially on rural highways like 285 or 349. 

A2X Law: Fighting for Car Accident Victims 

At A2X Law, we are committed to helping victims of Midland’s dangerous roads. Our firm specializes in personal injury and catastrophic injury cases, and we have substantial experience handling oilfield-related car accidents. We hold negligent trucking companies, oil companies, and drivers accountable and pursue the maximum recovery for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. Our practice, with the reach of a national firm and the knowledge of local attorneys, appreciates the unique dynamics Midland residents face. We will guide you through the complicated insurance claim process, and, if needed, litigate your case in the courts of Texas, even if your case is against a national company. No one wants a car accident to change their life. Consult with A2X Law today for a consultation to discuss your options.