The Lone Star State is known for its sprawling highways. These roads span some of the nation’s most picturesque landscapes and connect booming cities throughout Texas.
Unfortunately, some of these highways have also gained a reputation as the state’s most dangerous roads. Not every highway is made the same, and many factors can contribute to a higher frequency of car accidents and fatalities. If you drive in Texas, you should know about the state’s most deadly roads.
Interstate 45
I-45 is a 289-mile stretch that runs from Galveston to Dallas. Sadly, this interstate is also among the deadliest in the United States. The long stretch of I-45 between Houston and Dallas is a hotspot for hundreds of crashes each year.
Although I-45 is a quick and convenient route that connects some of the state’s most populous areas, it’s known for its high speed limits, heavy traffic, and dangerous curves. These factors can pose a more significant threat to unsuspecting motorists and result in injuries and fatalities.
In addition, the highway is also prone to flooding during heavy rains, which can make driving conditions even more dangerous.
Interstate 35
I-35 is another well-known hotspot for accidents and fatalities. This 500-mile road stretches from Laredo to the Oklahoma border and connects some of the state’s major cities, including San Antonio, Austin, Waco, and Dallas. In one recent year, there were roughly 20,400 crashes along the interstate and 153 fatalities.
It’s important to note that the stretch of I-35 between San Antonio and Austin is particularly dangerous. This section of the highway is known for its heavy use and congestion, which can lead to accidents. Also, some of the rural areas of I-35 feature sharp curves and steep hills, which can contribute to crashes.
U.S. Route 59
The Texas section of U.S.-59 runs from Houston to Texarkana and sees thousands of accidents yearly. Also known as the Lloyd Bentsen Highway, this high-speed thoroughfare serves the communities of Laredo, Victoria, Houston, and Marshall.
With an average speed limit of 75 MPH, cars, trucks, and motorcycles are known to violate the posted speed limits and engage in reckless driving. Consequently, accidents are common along this busy highway.
Interstate 10
I-10 is a major highway that runs east-west from El Paso to Houston, crossing the entire state of Texas. With thousands of drivers relying on this interstate for traveling, commuting, and transportation, it’s no surprise that thousands of accidents occur annually.
One of the most dangerous sections of I-10 is the stretch between San Antonio and Houston. These two cities are some of the most populous in the state, and millions of motorists rely on I-10 each year to move between these major hubs.
With so many cars along this unique 200-mile stretch, accidents are more likely to happen than in other less transited sections of I-10.
U.S. Route 83
U.S.-83 starts at the Texas-Mexico border near Brownsville and ends at the Oklahoma border near Bryan’s Corner. This north-south highway serves as a major transportation corridor for the many rural communities of central Texas; however, accidents still abound.
The stretch of the U.S.-83 between Laredo and Uvalde is especially hazardous, with numerous fatalities reported annually. The highway is known for its narrow lanes, lack of a median, poor weather, and reduced safety elements, making passing difficult. These conditions can contribute to head-on collisions, especially at night.
Contact an Austin Car Accident Lawyer
Accidents can happen almost anywhere at any time. However, certain zones and highways are far more prone to traffic collisions due to heavy use, congestion, high-speed travel, and reduced safety.
Whether commuting to work or traveling to another state, you should always be mindful of Texas’s most dangerous stretches of highway and be cautious whenever you get behind the wheel.
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver. Contact our Austin injury law firm to learn more about your rights and options after a crash.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Austin and need legal help, contact our Austin car accident lawyers at FVF Law to schedule a free consultation with our team.
FVF Law
3101 Bee Caves Rd #301, Austin, TX 78746, United States
(512) 982-9328