Texas is the second biggest state in the country by population, behind California. Countless visitors prowl the state’s roads and highways yearly, and more vehicles means more accidents.
According to the National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA), Texas sees the most road fatalities annually. Although not the most dangerous state per capita – that “honor” goes to Mississippi – Texas roads remain incredibly dangerous.
Likewise, Texas is also home to some of the deadliest roads in the nation. In this guide, we reveal which roads result in the most deaths and why. If you've been involved in a crash, speaking with an Austin car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options.
Key Takeaways
Texas is the most dangerous state in the country for annual road fatalities.
The most common causes of accidents in Texas are related to drivers not controlling their speeds, distracted driving, and failing to yield the right way, among other causes.
The Lone Star State is home to seven of the country’s most dangerous roads, with I-45 being the second most dangerous road in the country.
High injury and fatality rates on the state’s highways have been attributed to large volumes of commercial traffic, an increasing population, and poorly maintained roads on poorly designed – and often confusing – highway systems.
Texas’ most dangerous counties by fatality rates are Dallas, Bexar, and Harris, home to the state’s most populated cities, including Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
You have a right to compensation if you’re involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer to begin filing your case and ensure that justice is served.
Common Causes of Accidents on Texas Roads
Data from the Texas Department of Transportation reveals that the most common causes of car accidents are failure to control speed, driver inattention, not yielding the right of way, unsafe lane changes, and failing to drive in a single lane.
No one reason exists for why the Lone Star State experiences so many accidents and fatalities. Let’s go through each of these five reasons to learn more.
Failure to Control Speed
Failure to control speed is the leading cause of accidents, and it’s not just speeding. This cause focuses on a driver’s inability to control their speed, regardless of whether they were adhering to the speed limit. It’s a cause that’s responsible for 140,000 crashes and 800 fatalities.
Examples of causes in this category include:
Aggressive driving
Sudden braking
Weather
Driver Inattention
Driver inattention is another term for distracted driving. Not only is it responsible for 90,000 crashes and 500 fatalities but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveals that it’s responsible for one in six roadside fatalities nationwide.
Anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from the task of driving is a form of distraction. It could be texting and driving, eating, adjusting the radio, or turning to talk to someone in the passenger seat.
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
Failure to yield right-of-way is when drivers refuse to give way to other vehicles, even when legally required to. It makes up 80,000 crashes and 400 fatalities every year. Based on the Texas Department of Transportation’s statistics, here are the two most common scenarios:
Turning left at intersections without waiting for oncoming traffic.
Not coming to a complete stop at stop signs.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes occur when drivers switch lanes without signaling or checking their blind spots. Abrupt lane changes in heavy traffic are especially problematic as they don’t give other drivers the chance to react. That’s why it’s responsible for 70,000 crashes and 300 fatalities annually.
Failure to Drive in a Single Lane
The 5th most common cause of auto accidents in Texas makes up 60,000 crashes and 700 fatalities yearly. Failure to drive in a single lane occurs when drivers start drifting out of their lane, resulting in sideswipes and head-on collisions.
It’s a surprisingly common cause of crashes, with drowsiness, impaired driving, and distracted driving being the three most common contributors to this issue.
Fatal Accidents: County Breakdown
Despite the high number of fatalities in Texas, most fatal motor vehicle accidents are confined to a small number of counties, with just six of the state’s 254 counties reporting triple digits. Currently, Harris County, where Houston is located, is the deadliest county in Texas, with Dallas County, and Bexar County, where San Antonio is, taking the second and third spots respectively.
Below are the latest fatalities by county, provided by the Texas Department of Transportation:
Harris — 576 fatalities
Dallas — 354 fatalities
Bexar — 239 fatalities
Tarrant — 227 fatalities
Travis — 155 fatalities
El Paso — 99 fatalities
Hidalgo — 71 fatalities
Montgomery — 69 fatalities
Denton — 68 fatalities
Lubbock — 63 fatalities
Smith — 63 fatalities
Jefferson — 60 fatalities
Fort Bend — 55 fatalities
Williamson — 54 fatalities
Collin — 52 fatalities
Brazoria — 48 fatalities
Nueces — 47 fatalities
Ector — 43 fatalities
Bell — 43 fatalities
Coryell — 11 fatalities
Brazos — 14 fatalities
Hamilton — 1 fatality
Unsurprisingly, the most populous counties make up the majority of deaths in Texas. To put it in perspective, the Texas Department of Transportation reveals that nearly one in ten fatal and non-fatal accidents occurred in Dallas County in 2022.
What Studies Reveal About Texas’ Most Dangerous Roads
A brand-new study from fleet tracking company Teletrac Navman revealed that I-45 between Dallas and Galveston is one of the most dangerous roads in America. Moreover, through their analysis across a three-year period between 2016 and 2019, the company found that seven of the top 25 most dangerous roads in America are in Texas – the most of any state.
In this study, the company examined fatality statistics and divided them by the length of each highway to account for the significant differences in distance. Here’s are some of the most notable findings:
The I-45 is the most dangerous road in Texas, and the second most dangerous in the country.
The stretch of I-45 that goes through Houston is the most dangerous part of this highway.
Between 2 am and 3 am is the most dangerous time to be on the highway.
October saw the most fatalities.
The most dangerous day for this road was Saturday.
Interestingly, the most dangerous road is the I-4 in Florida, but it must be cautioned that the only reason the I-45 comes in second is because the Texas interstate is 153 miles longer, which reduces the death rate per mile.
Factors That Make Some Highways Dangerous
Highway traffic volumes, poor maintenance and highway design, and driver behavior are the three most common factors that make a highway more dangerous. Indeed, Texas’ population boom and flagging infrastructure has seen crash and fatality rates remain stubbornly high.
Most serious accidents occur on highways compared to ordinary city streets and roads. NHTSA data reports that the fatality rate per 100 million miles driven is 113.7% higher on rural roads, which includes highways, in Texas. In short, the average fatality rate was 2.18 deaths vs. 1.02 deaths for urban roads.
Types of Highway Hazards in Texas
Highways in Texas come with numerous hazards, but the most dangerous factor is drivers themselves. The NHTSA has reported many times that a third of all fatal car accidents in Texas involve a speeding driver. This should come as no surprise as speed limits are higher in Texas, with some roads having an 85 mph speed limit.
Speeding is the most common reason for highway accidents, but distracted drivers, tailgating, reckless driving, and fatigued drivers falling asleep at the wheel are other significant causes. Unsurprisingly, it also doesn’t help that there’s far less room for error because of the immense traffic volumes Texas endures.
For example, did you know that from 1984 to 2014, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute found that the number of registered vehicles had spiked by 172%. In contrast, highway space increased by just 19%. And that’s despite Texas having the most significant highway network in the country, with 314,000 miles of public road.
Another issue is that cities are becoming ever more congested. For example, Houston Public Media reported that 33 of the top 100 most congested roads in the state were in this city alone, and that’s why the city is such a hotspot for accidents.
Top 7 Most Dangerous Roads in Texas
Texas makes up seven of the top 25 most deadliest highways in America. I-45 is the most dangerous road in the Lone Star State, with other entries including I-25 and US 285, known as the Death Highway.
Each road is dangerous for its own reasons, including poor maintenance, driver behavior, and traffic volumes. Here’s the list of the seven most dangerous roads (in no particular order) and what makes them so hazardous to drivers.
Interstate 45 (I-45)
I-45 is a highway that runs between Dallas and Galveston. It’s the main highway that connects Dallas and Houston, bringing a mixture of commuters, tourists, and long-haul truckers. Anyone who regularly drives any stretch of I-45 will tell you about heavy congestion rates and the high speed limit, with dangerous stretches allowing speeds up to 75 mph.
Another problem is that it’s highly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, fog, and ice storms. Inexperienced drivers are especially vulnerable to sudden weather events, highlighting the importance of adopting defensive driving techniques and slowing your speed.
U.S. Route 285 (US 285)
US 285 is commonly known as the “Death Highway” because of its enormous accident rates. The road cuts through the Permian Basin, one of the country’s most profitable oil drilling locations.
Naturally, drivers on US 285 will encounter a road filled with heavy vehicles, including oil field trucks. Unfortunately, this highway also has higher speed limits, with widespread reports of reckless driving.
Another issue unique to US 285 is that it doesn’t have the necessary infrastructure support. Sinkholes have been periodically reported popping up, adding further hazards to this major Texas road.
U.S. Route 83 (US 83)
US 83 starts from the border with Oklahoma in the north and goes all the way to South Texas, terminating close to the border with Mexico. It’s one of the longest roads in Texas, which naturally results in some unique challenges.
US 83 covers both congested urban areas and some of the most remote parts of the state. Drivers will find limited cell service, almost no roadside services, and long stretches between towns. The isolation often makes accidents more serious than they need to be, due to the lack of emergency response.
Another issue is that US 83 isn’t a multi-lane highway all the way across the state. In some areas, it turns into a two-lane road with no shoulder. Extra challenges come from its sharp curves and tight corners blocked by hills and valleys, making overtaking an especially daunting challenge.
Interstate 35 (I-35)
Next, we head to the north-south interstate that carves its way through the very heart of Texas. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the lifelines of the state, with commercial traffic plying the asphalt through Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.
Anyone who lives in busy urban areas like Austin and Dallas will be well-acquainted with the traffic congestion this road brings. It regularly results in aggressive drivers, with sudden lane changes, speeding, not yielding, and tailgating being especially problematic.
Another issue is that I-35 is utterly unprepared for today’s traffic volumes. Although the state is attempting to address this problem, it means drivers must also deal with regular construction zones, which only adds to the confusion.
Finally, I-35 is one of the busiest roads for long-haul truckers, regularly bringing them into contact with local commuters. With frequent off ramps and unpredictable traffic patterns, drivers must stay alert and react to the changing conditions to stay safe.
Texas State Highway 6 (SH-6)
SH-6 is another state-spanning road that covers busy urban and remote rural areas. Unlike some of the other roads on this list, SH-6’s main problem is the number of intersections. Not only are there a high number of intersections but many of these intersections are poorly marked, with unsuspecting drivers often colliding with heavy cross traffic.
The other major challenge drivers face on SH-6 is the constantly changing road conditions. Speed limits aren’t consistent, with rural sections allowing drivers to hit speeds of up to 70 mph, whereas urban areas bring these speeds down by up to half.
It also doesn’t help that SH-6 has its own selection of narrow lanes and curves, meaning one wrong move can spell disaster.
Interstate 20 (I-20)
I-20 covers the northern part of the Lone Star State, connecting cities including Abilene and Dallas. Cross-state travelers in the north often take this route, but it’s also a significant corridor for heavy semi-trucks.
Select parts of I-20 have speed limits of up to 75 mph, but that’s not the biggest problem. Long stretches of straight road, especially at night, result in driver fatigue, with potentially deadly consequences.
U.S. Highway 59 (US-59)
US-59 crosses the Greater Houston Area and covers the Port of Houston. Depending on where you are, you might also hear this road referred to as Interstate 69. Regardless of what you call it, this route has an elevated risk of accidents because it’s used along long-haul truck routes, with speeds up to 75 mph.
The deadliest stretch of highway is around the Houston area and close to the port. Within this zone, drivers will encounter numerous merging points and intersections, which can confuse drivers. Obviously, due to the volume of heavy commercial traffic, accidents are often deadlier when they do happen.
Are Texas Roads Getting Safer?
Texas roads have not gotten any safer over the past few years. Likewise, Texas road fatalities have increased over the past 15 years, making the Lone Star State one of the most dangerous for drivers.
Here’s a summary of the number of traffic fatalities from the Texas Department of Transportation by year:
2019 – 3,623
2020 – 3,896
2021 – 4,489
2022 – 4,481
2023 – 4,283
As you can see, fatalities have remained relatively constant even after the stay at home orders of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, if we go all the way back to 2010, we can see that road fatalities were lower at 3,023.
Sadly, Texas hasn’t seen a no-fatality day since November 7th, 2000, which is one of the longest streaks in the country. It’s also important to mention that Texas has averaged ten deaths daily on the roads, indicating that this is one of the biggest threats to lives in the state.
The Texas Department of Transportation partnered with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 2023 for the End the Streak Campaign. Under the campaign, both bodies will work to develop long-term strategies to reduce the number of fatalities through brand-new safety solutions and more driver education.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Highway Accident?
With Texas’ high accident rates, your chances of being involved in an accident are higher than you think. According to the National Safety Council, everyone has a 1% chance of dying in an accident across their driving careers. That’s why all drivers should know how to protect themselves and gather evidence at the accident scene.
If you’re involved in any type of accident due to a negligent driver, you could be entitled to compensation. Here’s what to do immediately after being struck by a driver.
Check Yourself – Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries you might have sustained. If someone is seriously hurt, call for an ambulance to attend.
Call the Police – Always ask for a traffic officer to attend the crash scene. Not only is this for your own protection but also to ensure that you get an official police accident report you can use as evidence later.
Exchange Information – You’re legally required to exchange insurance information with other parties involved in the crash, including your contact and insurance details. Note that you’ll also be required to tell your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. Most policies require you to report accidents within 24-72 hours or you risk invalidating your coverage.
Gather Evidence – Collect as much evidence from the accident scene as possible while everything is fresh. Everyone has a smartphone, so use it to take photos and videos of the scene. Concentrate on capturing vehicular damage, visible injuries, road signage, road conditions, and an overview of the scene. Speak to any eyewitnesses and ask them to provide their contact details for later.
Seek Medical Attention – Seek immediate medical attention after you’re permitted to leave by the attending officer. Many injuries are hidden and may not display symptoms for hours or days. Hidden injuries, such as internal bleeding, can be life-threatening, so don’t take a chance even if you feel okay.
Call a Lawyer – Contact an attorney to begin assessing your options. An experienced car accident attorney can help you build your case and squeeze every rightful dollar from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Don’t forgo your right to compensation by attempting to deal with it yourself.
What Types of Compensation Can Car Accident Injury Victims Claim?
Plaintiffs may claim economic and non-economic damages as part of their claims. Examples include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Here’s a list of the damages your attorney could help you claim:
Medical costs
Lost wages
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages
How much your case could be worth depends on the circumstances. Every case is unique, with the extent of your injuries and the long-term implications being the defining factors in how much you could be entitled to. Talk to an experienced personal injury attorney for a case consultation to determine what your case could be worth.
How Long Do I Have to File a Texas Car Accident Claim?
Texas has a statute of limitations on all personal injury cases of two years. The two-year clock starts from the date of your accident except in highly specific circumstances, such as if the injured party is a minor. Delaying your claim puts pressure on you and opens you up to bad-faith tactics from insurers.
The best time to launch your car accident claim is as early as possible, as it gives your legal team more time to meticulously build your case and punch through stubborn insurance negotiators.
Remember, if the statute of limitations elapses, you lose your right to claim compensation entirely, even if you weren’t at fault.
How the Texas 51% Bar Rule Works
Texas is a comparative negligence state as well as an at-fault state. As an at-fault state, the party who’s at fault is responsible for paying all damages. As a comparative fault state, liability can be shared, impacting how much compensation you can claim.
The 51% bar rule is a part of the comparative negligence system. Essentially, it bans plaintiffs from claiming any monetary compensation if they’re 51% or more responsible for an accident. However, even if you can claim compensation, your settlement will be reduced by the amount you’re to blame.
For example, suppose you receive a $100,000 settlement but are deemed 15% at fault for the accident. Under the comparative negligence system, you would lose $15,000 for a final settlement of $85,000 to account for your role in the crash.
That’s another reason why hiring a personal injury lawyer is such a vital part of pursuing compensation. Even if the other driver is clearly at fault, insurers will still attempt to minimize their role to protect their bottom lines. Allow them to get away with it and you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
Our Experienced Legal Team Cares About Texas Drivers’ Safety
Driver safety in Texas is a mess. We cannot change the state of Texas roads, but we can ensure that you’re not left out of pocket after being injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault. At DJC Law, we’re dedicated to holding negligent drivers to account and protecting the ordinary people of the Lone Star State.
With our 99% case success rate and more than $400 million in settlement funds won on behalf of our clients, we’re one of the most tenacious car accident law firms in Texas. To learn more about how you can get the justice you deserve, contact us for your free case consultation today.
The Most Dangerous Highways in Texas FAQs
What’s the most dangerous highway in Texas?
Interstate 45 is the most dangerous highway in Texas and the second most dangerous in America. According to Houstonia Magazine, the rate of fatal accidents was 56.5 per 100 miles driven.
Regarding where I-45 is the most dangerous, most fatal crashes occur around the Greater Houston area.
What is the Death Highway in Texas?
The Death Highway is the nickname for US 285. This route sees enormous numbers of deaths each year, with significant concentrations around Houston, the state's deadliest city. The stretch of road starts in Pecos, Texas, and finishes in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
This section of the road got its nickname from the people of Loving, Texas, which is the heart of the state’s oil boom. Interestingly, it's also the only dangerous highway that's so bad that it received a nickname. Since 2015, this area has had a 400% increase in accidents. The name initially came to prominence in 2018 when the Dallas Morning News posted a report on the road’s dangers.
How many people died on the highway in Texas?
Over 4,000 people died on the highways of Texas in 2023 and 2024. Moreover, 2023 saw 18,752 serious injuries to drivers and passengers on the state’s highways. Deaths have been relatively stable over the last five years, but they have actually increased over the past 10-15 years, indicating the state has made little headway on making the state’s highways safer.
