Texas is the second-most populous state in the nation, with more than 30 million residents. Countless visitors travel throughout the state every year as well. More people in the state means more cars on the roads, which tragically equates to more auto accidents.

Texas is also known to have some of the most dangerous highways in the country. If you are a Texas resident or are planning an upcoming visit, it is vital to know the locations of these highways and what factors tend to contribute to accidents in the Lone Star State.

Texas Car Accidents: What the Numbers Say

Over the years, researchers have accumulated data to evaluate the dangers of Texas highways and streets. Texas roads are consistently on lists detailing the most dangerous highways in the United States, calculated by the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Every year, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) releases motor vehicle traffic crash facts. Recently, statistics indicated that:

  • One reportable crash took place every 57 seconds
  • One person suffered injuries every two minutes and nine seconds
  • One person was killed every one hour and 57 minutes

While the numbers differ slightly every year, the fact remains that Texas roads can pose a great risk to drivers. For this reason, it’s crucial to know which roads require you to exercise additional caution.

The Five Most Hazardous Texas Roads and Highways

Numerous dangerous roads and highways are scattered throughout Texas. These risky roads traverse through some of the state’s largest and most populated cities, including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

the five deadliest and most dangerous roads and highways in texas

According to traffic data, five of the most hazardous roads in Texas include:

Roadway Deaths Per Mile
Interstate 45 0.913
Interstate 30 0.646
Interstate 10 0.597
Interstate 20 0.549
Interstate 35E 0.496

Interstate 45

I-45 is one of the most well-known highways in Texas for accidents and fatalities. It sits at the number two spot for deadliest highways in the U.S., behind only Interstate 4 in Florida. The highway stretches for 285 miles, with the number of deaths per mile at .913.

According to traffic data, the city with the highest risk of accidents on the highway is Houston, Texas, and the worst time to be on this road is between 2 AM and 3 AM. Fatal accidents tend to happen most often on Saturdays.

Interstate 30

I-30 is a 367-mile-long highway, running from Aledo, Texas, to North Little Rock, Arkansas. Most fatalities occur in the Dallas area, with collisions often involving pedestrians and trees. For every mile on Interstate 30, there are .646 deaths.

Interstate 10

I-10 is also known to be one of the deadliest roads in the country. This road stretches from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida, but the stretch of road with the most concerning statistics is between Houston and El Paso, Texas.

Interstate 10 runs for 2,460 miles, with deaths equaling .597 deaths per mile of road. There were a total of 1,469 accident-related deaths between 2016 and 2019.

Interstate 20

I-20 runs from Scroggins Draw, Texas, to Florence, South Carolina. The most hazardous stretch of road along Interstate 20 lies in Dallas. The worst time to drive is between 2 AM and 3 AM, and the deadliest day is Sunday.

Interstate 20 runs for 1,539 miles, with numbers showing .549 deaths per mile. Incidents involving motor vehicle accidents, overturned cars, and pedestrians are most common.

Interstate 35E

I-35E is entirely a Texas highway, running from Hillsboro to Denton. Like other highways, the riskiest stretch of road is in Dallas.

Though it’s a relatively short highway, a notable number of fatalities occur from auto accidents. For every mile of road, there are .496 deaths. The deadliest time to drive is between 4 AM and 5 AM, and the worst day of the week is Monday.

Common Causes of Accidents on Texas Roads 

So what makes Texas roads so dangerous? Auto collisions happen in Texas for many reasons, but some of the most common include:

  • Traffic Congestion: Because of the population and large size of the state, traffic remains a significant issue.
  • Inadequate Infrastructure: Roads and highways are often improperly maintained, and many roads cannot withstand the substantial amount of daily traffic.
  • Dangerous Driving Behaviors: Speeding, distracted driving, and reckless driving all contribute to the steady numbers of accidents on Texas roads.
  • Inclement Weather: From heavy downpours to snow and ice, Texas weather can be brutal, increasing the chances of collisions.

The typical causes of accidents in Texas occur on all types of roads, from urban to rural. These and other details constantly contribute to accidents, making Texas a hot spot for collision-related injuries and fatalities.

Getting Legal Help Following a Collision in Texas

If you’ve been involved in an accident in Texas, it’s important not to wait to consult with an experienced car accident attorney. A lawyer can protect your rights, represent your best interests, and give you a greater chance of obtaining the justice and financial recovery you deserve for your injuries and losses.