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April 26, 2023 by Greg Baumgartner
Many people understand that highways can be exceptionally deadly due to the speed at which cars travel, the large number of cars in multi-lanes, and the sheer amount of distractions that can make driving difficult, from eye-catching billboards to internal distractions like texting and talking on the phone.
However, many Texans might not be aware that the state boasts some of the deadliest highways in the nation. And Houston has its fair share of dangerous highways.
According to the Houston Chronicle and Houston Public Media News 88.7, approximately 700 people have died in 200 fatal crashes in one month alone. Interstate 30 and Interstate 820 are often cited as the deadliest stretch of highways in Texas, with numerous fatal accidents reported annually. Auto accident attorneys in Texas see the results every day.
Texas has some of the deadliest highways in the country, with several roads ranking among the most dangerous in the nation. According to a study by Teletrac Navman, I-45 is the second-most dangerous highway in the country, with a staggering 0.913 fatalities per mile. This alarming statistic highlights the perilous nature of this stretch of road. Other Texas highways that made the list include I-10, US 175, I-37, US 290, and US 59. These highways are notorious for fatal car accidents, with factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and reckless driving contributing to the high number of fatalities. High traffic volumes and risky driving behaviors make these Texas highways particularly hazardous.
Moreover, the research also points out that approximately 1/3 of people who have died in a highway accident have done so on a Texas highway. Texas has the highest number of fatal truck accidents of any state.
Overall, the research highlights that Texas highways are deadly and create a platform where this kind of danger does not seem to be abating anytime soon.
With this in mind, one should be cautious when driving across one of the listed Texas highways.
Several reports have measured the deadliest highways, considering factors such as the number of accidents, the rate of deaths per accident, the comparison of accidents versus the loss of life, and other potentially dangerous incidents.
Some of the top deadly highways in Texas, and roughly in the United States overall, include:
Regardless, their total rate of fatalities should be enough to speak about just how deadly these highways can be. In just four years, many of these highways have lost hundreds of lives, indicating how rapidly traffic accidents can occur in these areas.
When considering the factors that contribute to the danger of Texas highways, it is crucial to examine various aspects that can significantly impact the occurrence of traffic accidents. As the National Motorists Association elucidated, several key elements come into play, ultimately making a highway exceptionally perilous. When properly understood, these factors can shed light on the reasons behind the high rate of crashes on Texas roads.
Interstate 35 East is not Texas’s only dangerous highway; highways like I-45 also rank among the most perilous.
First and foremost, equipment failure plays a substantial role in the severity of accidents. The consequences can be dire when vehicles experience mechanical failures such as blown tires or brake malfunctions. To mitigate these risks, it is imperative to ensure regular vehicle maintenance and stay informed about recalls, upgrades, and other factors that might contribute to potential shortcomings.
Another critical factor to consider is the impact of infrastructure on highway safety. The absence of multi-lanes, limited access to highways, poor design, or a lack of necessary improvements can all increase the likelihood of collisions. Therefore, authorities must prioritize infrastructure enhancements to create safe and efficient roadways.
Drinking and driving also significantly contribute to automobile crashes, especially on highways with elevated speeds. It is paramount to exercise caution when consuming alcohol and to encourage others to do the same. Shockingly, approximately 25% of fatal car wrecks in Texas involve alcohol, highlighting the need for responsible behavior behind the wheel.
Additionally, distractions pose a significant risk to drivers. Activities such as texting, eating, using cell phones, or watching movies can divert attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Drivers must remain focused and avoid these distracting behaviors, especially when traveling on high-speed highways.
Furthermore, traffic congestion must not be overlooked as a contributing factor to the danger of Texas highways. The rapidly growing population has resulted in highways carrying more traffic than they were designed to handle, leading to overcrowding and increased risks. Addressing this issue requires timely and necessary upgrades to accommodate the current and future traffic demands.
While the factors above contribute to the number of Texas highway crashes, individuals must be aware of these risks and take proactive measures to mitigate them. By understanding the potential dangers associated with equipment failure, infrastructure shortcomings, drinking and driving, distractions, and traffic congestion, we can collectively work towards safer highways in Texas for all.
For Texas highways, many factors are unique to the state, such as:
Presence of Big Rigs—In Texas, truckers use many of these highways to export and import goods from and into the state. Not only are these vehicles huge, making any accident involving them that much more deadly, but it is equally important to point out that these big trucks also have a blind spot. Texas has more fatal 18-wheeler accidents than any other state.
Oil & Gas—The research highlights that the “fracking boom,” so named for the paramount oil and gas industry in Texas, has led to an increase in highway crashes due to the vast number of hours placed on truckers in the industry. This has led to an increase in sleep deprivation-based accidents overall.
Construction—Anyone who has visited major highways in Texas is aware that many are undergoing construction, either through routine maintenance or as part of ongoing expansion. Either way, these changes to the infrastructure can often lead drivers astray, especially when they are not cautious, resulting in an increase in accidents. Harris County is particularly notorious for its high number of fatal accidents, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Texas.
Regardless of the reasons, Texas highways are considered among the deadliest in the United States, even compared to the rest of the Country. With that in mind, it is essential to perform routine vehicle checkups, take appropriate cautionary measures, and, above all else, drive safely.
Highway accidents can have devastating consequences, including fatal car accidents, serious injuries, and significant property damage. In 2019, Texas recorded 1.26 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles, a sobering statistic that underscores the dangers of the state’s roads. Shockingly, 42% of motorists involved in fatal accidents were not wearing seatbelts, highlighting the importance of this simple safety measure.
The economic costs of highway accidents are also substantial, with the average cost of a fatal car accident estimated to exceed $1.4 million. Beyond the financial impact, highway accidents can cause emotional trauma and long-term psychological effects for those involved, leaving lasting scars that extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of the crash.
If you have been injured in an accident in Houston, TX, and need help, contact our Houston car crash attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm by calling (281) 587-1111.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX 77069
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Since establishing Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has built a reputation as one of Houston’s leading personal injury attorneys, dedicated to representing severely injured victims and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.
Greg holds two law degrees, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all attorneys, demonstrating his exceptional legal expertise. He is also a prestigious Trial Lawyers College graduate, further enhancing his skills in trial advocacy and litigation.
His relentless commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and many others.
With decades of experience, Greg has consistently received top peer reviews. He holds a preeminent rating, a testament to his unwavering dedication to securing justice and maximum compensation for his clients.
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