Brian White | June 5, 2023 | Car Accidents
Every year, close to 20,000 Texans are seriously injured in car accidents and another 4,000 or so are killed. These crashes can happen anywhere, but there are a few specific highways that tend to be more prone to accidents. These highways suffer thousands of wrecks and see dozens of deaths every year.
So which are the deadliest highway stretches in Texas, and what do you do if you’re injured in a crash? Read on to learn where a little extra due diligence is a good idea.
I-45
Interstate 45 runs north and south 289 miles from Galveston to Dallas. It’s the only interstate to be contained entirely within one state. It is also the single most dangerous road in the entire nation.
I-45 has an average 56.5 crashes for every 100 miles of highway. The most dangerous stretch of the highway is in Houston, which experiences about 73 fatal accidents every year.
Most of these deaths are due to the terrible road conditions along I-45. The infrastructure on this highway is notoriously terrible, and it’s also ranked as one of the darkest highways in the United States. This makes it more prone to nighttime accidents, as well as drunk driving accidents.
I-35
Interstate 35 also runs north and south, starting in Laredo, Texas, and terminating at Duluth, Minnesota. It has been ranked one of the top five deadliest highways in the country and among the deadliest in Texas.
Every year, close to 200 people die on I-35, averaging a little more than 12.5 deaths per 100 miles. Part of what makes I-35 so dangerous is the large number of semi-trucks that travel along the highway. Crashes with trucks tend to be more deadly since they’re so much heavier than normal cars.
I-10
Interstate 10 is one of the nation’s cross-country highways, running from Jacksonville, Florida to Los Angeles, California. Each year, more than 300 people die on I-10, also averaging to about 12.5 crashes per 100 miles.
One of the biggest factors contributing to I-10’s danger is the number of large cities the highway passes through. In Texas alone, I-10 passes through Houston and San Antonio, and the highway also crosses through New Orleans, Tucson, and Phoenix. The increased traffic levels and higher speed limits can contribute to more crashes.
Route 59
Route 59 runs between Texarkana and Laredo – a nearly 2,000-mile stretch of highway that’s notoriously deadly. The average speed limit on this highway, also known as the Lloyd Bentsen Highway, is 75 miles an hour, and unfortunately, many motorists go even faster.
About one in every three Texas vehicle deaths involves speeding, and Route 59 is one of the worst offenders. Not only can higher speeds make motorists more prone to crash, but it makes the collisions that do happen even more deadly.
Route 83
Route 83 runs from Brownsville to Laredo, where it turns north and heads for the Oklahoma border. Every year, Route 83 suffers about 34 fatalities – an average of roughly 4 deaths per 100 miles.
A big part of the reason Route 83 is so dangerous is the poor road conditions. The highway tends to have narrow lanes and no median, which can lead to more head-on collisions. It also tends to experience more poor weather than other areas of the state, which can cause more crashes.
Get Compensation for Your Injuries
Thousands of motorists die in Texas car accidents every year, and tens of thousands more are injured. Certain highways are more dangerous than others, and it’s always a good idea to use extra caution on the roads we’ve discussed. Slow down, check before you merge lanes, and never drink and drive.
If you’ve been hurt on one of these highways in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you get the money you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss the details of your case.
Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
United States
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
United States
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop
2600 S Loop W, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054
United States
