Many people understand that highways can be exceptionally deadly because of the speed at which cars travel, the large influx 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.
Texas Has Some of the Most 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. Auto accident attorneys in Texas see the results every day.
Texas Has the Most Deadly Truck Accidents
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 more fatal truck accidents than any other state.
Overall, the research works to point out that Texas highways are not only deadly, but they also create a platform where this kind of deadliness does not seem to be ebbing up anytime soon.
With this in mind, one should be cautious when driving across one of the listed Texas highways.
Deadly Texas Highways -The List
The deadliest highways have been measured utilizing several reports that consider factors such as the number of accidents, rate of deaths per accident, 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:
- Interstate 20 – Ranked 1st, with 332 fatalities overall.
- S. Highway 59 – Ranked 2nd, 268 fatalities overall.
- Interstate 10 – Ranked 3rd. 422 fatalities overall.
- Interstate 30 – Ranked 4th. 442 fatalities overall.
- S. Highway 83 – Ranked 5th. 135 overall fatalities.
- State Highway 72 – 22 overall fatalities.
- Interstate 45 – Ranked 7th. 211 fatalities.
- S. Highway 82 – Ranked 8th. 14 fatalities.
- S. Highway 290 – Ranked 9th. 33 fatalities overall.
- S. Highway 67 – 90 fatalities overall.
- S. Highway 67 – Ranked 10th, 11 fatalities.
- State Highway 19 – Ranked 11th (tie). 33 fatalities.
- Interstate 35 – Ranked 11th (tie). 290 fatalities in total.
- S. Highway 281 – Ranked 11th (tie). 133 fatalities in total.
- S. Highway 90- Ranked 11th(tie). 95 fatalities in total.
- S. Highway 87- Ranked 12th (tie). 95 fatalities in total.
- S. Highway 385- Ranked 12th (tie). 59 fatalities in total.
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.
Why Are These Texas Highways So Deadly?
As mentioned, the rate of fatalities, injuries, and other negative incidents all factor in deeming a highway “deadly.” However, many individuals might wonder why there are so many traffic accidents. As noted by the National Motorists Association, several factors come into play, making a highway exceptionally deadly. Among these are:
Equipment Failure – As the research points out, the consequences can often be dire when vehicles experience some failure, such as a blown tire or brake failure. Thus, not only must a car’s maintenance be regularly checked, but one should also be mindful of vehicle recalls, upgrades, and other factors that can contribute to automobile shortcomings.
Infrastructure – As the NMA points out, the highways can often be conducive to vehicle crashes. This can result from an absence of multi-lanes, limited access to highways, poor designs, or the lack of improvements to the current infrastructure.
Drinking & Driving – As many people will understand, drunk driving plays a large role in automobile crashes, especially on highways where speeds are increased. It is not only important to implement caution when drinking but also to encourage others to do so as well. About 25% of fatal car wrecks in Texas involve alcohol.
Distraction – Texting, eating, using cell phones, and watching movies… can all be especially distracting to a driver. While one should take caution when on the road, these elements should be non-existent when traveling across a speed-intensive highway.
Traffic Congestion – The growth in Texas has resulted in highways with more traffic than capacity. In short, we are never in front of needed highway upgrades.
Despite that, these factors still play a role in the number of highway crashes that have been seen, and thus, one should take care to forgo these activities altogether.
Other Causes of The High Number of Accidents on Texas Highways
For Texas highways, many factors are unique to the state, such as:
Presence of Big Rigs – In the state of Texas, a lot of these highways are used by truckers 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 points out that the “fracking boom”, so named for the oil and gas industry that is paramount in Texas, has led to increased highway crashes due to the vast amount of hours placed upon 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 in the construction process, either through routine upkeep or as part of ongoing expansion. Either way, these changes to the infrastructure can often lead drivers astray, especially when not using caution, often leading to an increase in accidents.
No matter the reasons, Texas highways are considered extremely deadly, even compared to the rest of the United States. With that in mind, it is essential to perform routine checkups on your vehicle, take appropriate cautionary measures, and, above all else – drive safely!
Contact The Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm for Help
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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