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September 5, 2019 by Greg Baumgartner
Living in or near Houston, you have likely already recognized that your vehicle is one of your most prized possessions.
For as much as our community has to offer to residents and visitors, the simple reality is that we need to put in the miles every single day.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, the fact remains that we are all taking risks when we enter our cars. The risks are even greater in Houston.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Houston is the most deadly major metro area in the United States for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in vehicles’ paths. One-half of crashes at intersections in Houston are along FM 1960 and Highway 6 in Houston.
The Chronicle’s study revealed that 640 people die yearly on roads in the Houston metro area, while approximately 2,850 were seriously injured. Texas has shocking statistics for fatal crashes.
Defensive driving is always a good idea, especially on Houston roads. But even beyond this, it is helpful for Houston drivers to understand which roads in Houston are the most dangerous. With this knowledge, drivers can be especially cautious as they navigate these roads, and maybe a few families can avoid hiring a wrongful death attorney.
Trucks account for many fatal accidents in Houston.
One of the most dangerous roads in the metro Houston area is Interstate 45. In 2018, Interstate 45 had the most fatalities (27 total). According to the Houston Chronicle report, many of these fatalities were due to speeding vehicles.
Along with this, many of the fatalities on Interstate 45 occurred at late hours. Interstate 45 continues to be an extremely dangerous road in our community, whether due to impatience or even inebriated drivers.
In Houston, many of our fatal crashes involve drunk driving. Preventing big rig accidents in Houston needs to be a priority.
Regarding fatalities, Interstate 45 is the most dangerous road in Houston. Beyond Interstate 45, the next most dangerous road is Interstate 10.
Interstate 10, in 2018, had 11 fatalities.
I-10 has a large element of 18-wheelers, which tend to make crashes severe or fatal.
Interstate 610 was followed by ten fatalities. High fatality counts on these major interstates intuitively make sense, as these roads contain drivers who aren’t following the speed limit or are distracted while driving at high speeds.
Following Interstate 610 is U.S. Route 59.
U.S. Route 59 had nine fatalities in 2018. Route 59 is followed by Airline Road (six fatalities), Texas State Highway Beltway 8 (six fatalities), Telephone Road (five fatalities), and Westheimer Road (five fatalities).
As you can tell by now, these interstates and roads with the most fatalities are not limited to a particular location in the Houston metro area. Do you know the most deadly highways in Texas?
While these roads and highways listed above had many fatalities last year, several other Houston roads and highways experienced fatalities last year.
Those include:
If you find yourself injured in a collision in Houston, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Houston auto injury lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Our personal injury attorney has the expertise and experience to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time—call (281) 587-1111 to schedule your consultation and discuss the specifics of your case.
In addition to seeking legal assistance, following certain steps after a car accident is essential to protect your well-being and strengthen your potential claim. Start by stopping your vehicle and remaining at the scene of the accident. If possible, move your vehicle out of the way to prevent further hazards, and remember to turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Next, assess your injuries and the injuries of any other occupants in your vehicle. Immediately call 911 and inform the operator of the accident and any injuries sustained. Prompt medical attention is crucial to ensure your injuries are properly evaluated and treated.
While waiting for medical help, gather vital information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Exchange contact details and insurance policy information, and take photos of the vehicles and the damage incurred. If there were any witnesses present, obtain their contact information as well. This information will be valuable when filing an insurance claim or potential lawsuit.
Consulting with a Houston car accident lawyer is prudent once you have sought medical attention and gathered the necessary information. The experienced attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm can provide a free legal consultation to assess the specifics of your case and determine the best course of action. They can guide you through filing an insurance claim and, if necessary, help you pursue a lawsuit to secure additional compensation for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.
Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to legal matters, so do not delay seeking professional assistance. Contact the Houston auto injury lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm for expert advice and support. Call (281) 587-1111 today to take the first step towards obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Ultimately, the Texas Department of Transportation is developing a plan to curb traffic deaths—not just in the Houston metro area but in the state as a whole. The department’s goal is to have zero deaths on Texas roads by 2050.
While this is the overarching goal, the Texas Department of Transportation set an interim goal for 2035. The department aims to reduce fatal crashes to approximately 1,800 by that time.
These are ambitious goals (perhaps even aspirational), but the Texas Department of Transportation is already taking action. These goals build on existing initiatives, including driver safety awareness programs and an increased emphasis on safety in project prioritization.
But having said this, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Transportation Commission are calling on drivers to be more cautious on the road. According to Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan, “While we are committed to investing in the best engineering practices to make our roads safe, we also need drivers and passengers to act more responsibly.”
Whether commuting to work or traveling around the Houston metro area with your family, we encourage you to stay cautious. Embrace defensive driving and try to follow the speed limits as closely as possible. In addition, be especially cautious when you’re on the roads listed in this article.
There is no universal way to guarantee complete safety on the road. But by being defensive (especially on the roads mentioned above), you can avoid many unforced errors when driving to your destination.
Contact the Houston auto injury lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Call (281) 587-1111.
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
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Since founding the Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has established himself as a leading personal injury attorney in Houston, Texas, with a focus on representing severely injured accident victims and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. His commitment to excellence in legal advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers and the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and others. With decades of experience, Greg is consistently peer-reviewed and holds a preeminent rating, reflecting his dedication to achieving justice for his clients.
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