GEORGETOWN, Texas — Data from the Georgetown Police Department shows the number of car crashes in the city has increased 91% over the past decade.
The police department recently shared its annual update with the Georgetown City Council. Data included in the report showed that in 2024, there were 3,871 crashes. In 2014, that number was 2,030.
Growth could be a factor in the increase. According to U.S. Census data, Georgetown’s population in 2014 was about 59,000, compared to more than 96,000 now.
“We continue to see really stark increases in motor vehicle crashes in the city,” Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida told the council. “The reality is, geographically, we’re a really big city. And there’s a lot of people coming through this city. And we’re always looking for opportunities on how to impact this number.”
Tchida said that a common spot for stop-and-go crashes is in front of Wolf Ranch, a growing subdivision near Interstate 35 and Highway 29.
Tchida also said he doesn’t believe the department receives accurate self-reporting when investigating crashes because people are hesitant to admit to using their phones during the time of a crash.
Police data shows traffic stops were also up in Georgetown in 2024, compared to the year before. In 2023, the department saw 8,815 stops. In 2024, the number ticked up to 11,617.
However, looking at the past decade, the number of traffic stops in 2024 was down significantly from 2014, when the city had 19,094 stops.