The 10 Deadliest Roads in Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, which unfortunately includes the risks on its vast network of highways. This listicle breaks down the 10 roads with the most fatal accidents in the Lone Star State, examining the statistics and underlying causes behind their grim reputations.
Identifying the Lone Star State's Deadliest Highways
Analysts rely on various metrics and data sources to determine which roads pose the greatest risk. Organizations like the Accident Data Center and financial insights companies like MoneyGeek compile and analyze federal crash data to identify patterns. They look beyond just the total number of accidents, focusing on factors like the fatality rate per mile, the concentration of fatal crashes in specific segments, and contributing circumstances like drunk driving or speeding. In 2024 alone, the Texas Department of Transportation reported 554,146 total crashes, highlighting the scale of the problem. The following highways consistently rank among the most dangerous based on in-depth analysis of these incidents.
1. Interstate 45 (I-45)
Often cited as the most dangerous highway in Texas and the United States, I-45 is a major north-south artery connecting Dallas and Houston. The stretch running through Houston is notorious for its deadly combination of heavy traffic, constant construction, and complex interchanges. According to a recent report, I-45 saw 105 fatalities in 2023 and averages 56.5 fatal accidents for every 100 miles. The urban congestion means that while speeds may be lower, the density of vehicles creates a high-risk environment for collisions. Houston's sprawling design contributes to some of the most dangerous road intersections in Houston, where major highways like I-45 intersect with busy surface streets, leading to a high potential for devastating accidents.
2. Interstate 10 (I-10)
Stretching over 880 miles across Texas from El Paso to the Louisiana border, I-10 is a critical east-west corridor. Its danger lies in its dual personality, suffering from severe congestion in urban areas like Houston and San Antonio while featuring the legal speed limit of 80 mph. This high speed and long, straight stretches can lead to driver fatigue and catastrophic high-impact crashes. Data from multiple safety reports frequently place I-10 high on the list for total fatalities, with one study from 2019 to 2023 recording 1,341 deaths, making it a highway where risk changes dramatically from one mile to the next.
3. Interstate 35 (I-35)
As a vital corridor that slices through the heart of Texas cities like Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth, I-35 is a hotspot for fatal crashes due to its heavy traffic volume and seemingly endless construction projects. In Austin, road safety groups have grown increasingly concerned as the death toll from traffic accidents continues to rise, with many crashes occurring on I-35. The constant state of construction creates confusing lane shifts, sudden stops, and an environment where drivers must always be on high alert. This combination of congestion and construction makes it one of the state's most stressful and dangerous driving experiences.
4. US Route 83
Known as the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, US 83 runs the entire north-south length of the state. Unlike the major interstates, much of US 83 is a rural, two-lane highway with different risks but no less severe. According to a Car Insurance Comparison report, US 83 is responsible for an average of 34 fatalities annually. These rural highways often lack the safety features of interstates, such as wide shoulders, median barriers, and adequate lighting. This makes head-on collisions and run-off-road accidents more likely and often more deadly, especially during adverse weather or at night.
5. US Route 290
Connecting Houston with Austin, U.S. 290 is a major artery for commuters, commercial trucks, and travelers. Its expansion over the years has done little to mitigate the dangers posed by high speeds, frequent access points, and a mix of long-haul and local traffic. The highway often experiences heavy congestion during peak hours, leading to aggressive driving behaviors and a higher likelihood of rear-end and lane-change collisions. Data from traffic analysts has previously shown that the stretch of US 290 in Harris County is one of the most dangerous road segments in the entire state for drivers.
6. US Route 59 (Eastex Freeway)
While US 59 spans a massive portion of the state, the segment known as the Eastex Freeway running through Houston is particularly hazardous. This urban freeway is characterized by complex interchanges, heavy daily traffic, and many entrance and exit ramps that require constant driver attention. The mixture of commuter traffic and commercial vehicles creates a volatile environment where speed discrepancies and sudden maneuvers are common. A report on trucking accidents identifies US 59 as a top route for collisions involving large commercial vehicles, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
7. State Highway 6 (SH 6)
State Highway 6 is a prime example of a state route overwhelmed by suburban sprawl, particularly in Houston. It is frequently cited for its dangerous intersections and many vehicle and pedestrian accidents. As residential and commercial developments have flanked the highway, it has become a landscape of countless traffic lights, business entrances, and crossings. This design creates numerous conflict points, and the high traffic volume means a simple mistake can quickly escalate into a multi-car pileup. The Houston area consistently reports the highest number of crashes in Texas, with routes like SH 6 contributing significantly to those statistics.
8. Interstate 20 (I-20)
As a major east-west interstate that cuts through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and vast stretches of rural West Texas, I-20 presents a wide range of dangers. The DFW area is plagued by severe congestion and a high concentration of commercial truck traffic heading to and from distribution centers. This dense mix of semi-trucks and passenger vehicles is a recipe for disaster. High speeds and driver fatigue become the primary threats in its rural sections, similar to I-10. Over five years, one analysis identified 342 fatal accidents on I-20, underscoring its consistent danger across different environments.
9. McCart Avenue (Fort Worth)
Proving that danger isn't limited to highways, McCart Avenue in Fort Worth was recently named one of America's deadliest roads. A study highlighted in local news found that this single street recorded 10 fatal crashes over just a three-mile stretch. This alarming statistic translates to 3.31 fatal crashes per mile, placing it among the most dangerous non-highway roads in the nation. The hazards on McCart Avenue are typical of urban arterial roads: numerous intersections, pedestrian crossings, and a high density of local traffic that can lead to T-bone and head-on collisions.
10. State Highway 130 (SH 130)
State Highway 130, particularly the segments southeast of Austin, is famous for having the highest speed limit posted in the US at 85 mph. While designed as a bypass to alleviate I-35 traffic, this high speed creates an environment where any mistake can be catastrophic. High-speed crashes dramatically reduce a driver's reaction time and significantly increase the impact force, leading to a higher fatality rate per accident. Although less congested than many urban interstates, the sheer traffic velocity on SH 130 makes it unforgiving. According to some reports, this road has been a site for some of the most severe high-speed accidents in the region since its opening.
A Call for Greater Caution on Texas Roads
The data makes it clear: driving in Texas demands constant vigilance. While state-level initiatives like TxDOT's #EndTheStreakTX campaign aim to raise awareness, safety ultimately begins with the driver. The combination of high speeds, urban congestion, and inadequate infrastructure on many routes creates a perilous environment. Recent news about rising fatalities in cities like Austin and the deadly nature of roads in Fort Worth serves as a stark reminder that, whether you're on a high-speed interstate or a local avenue, caution is the best defense against becoming a statistic on Texas's deadliest roads.
Resources for Texas Drivers
Understanding the risks on Texas roads is the first step, but having the right resources can help you stay informed and protected. The following organizations provide valuable data, analysis, and tools to help drivers navigate the complexities of road safety and its financial implications.
Accident Data Center
Accident Data Center is a comprehensive, nationwide database for traffic accident reports and news. It compiles information from state and local law enforcement agencies, making it a valuable resource for journalists, researchers, and the general public. For Texas drivers, it provides specific, timely information about incidents on the highways discussed in this report, offering a real-world look at the dangers and helping to reinforce the need for caution.
Service Type | Public Accident Data Aggregator |
Data Coverage | Nationwide, including all major Texas highways |
Key Features | Searchable database of accidents, news reports on recent crashes, fatality statistics |
Best For | Researching accident history on specific routes and staying updated on recent traffic incidents. |
Car Insurance Comparison
Navigating dangerous roads often comes with higher financial risk, making proper insurance coverage essential. Car Insurance Comparison is an online platform that lets consumers compare auto insurance quotes from various providers. Beyond just quotes, the site produces original research and reports—like those cited in this article—that analyze safety data to identify high-risk areas. This dual focus makes it a practical tool for Texas drivers looking to balance adequate coverage with affordable premiums.
Service Type | Insurance Comparison & Information Hub |
Key Features | Multi-carrier quote comparison, data-driven safety studies, educational articles, carrier reviews. |
Target Audience | Consumers seeking new or more affordable auto insurance policies. |
Best For | Finding competitive insurance rates and understanding how location impacts premiums. |
MoneyGeek
MoneyGeek is a personal finance company that uses data to provide insights and guidance on various financial decisions, including insurance. Their analysts frequently conduct in-depth studies on road safety, identifying the deadliest roads at the state and national levels, as referenced in our report. By connecting safety statistics to the real-world cost of driving—such as insurance premiums in high-risk zip codes—MoneyGeek helps consumers understand the full financial picture of where they live and drive.
Service Type | Personal Finance Analysis & Tools |
Primary Focus | Insurance, credit, and data-driven financial guidance. |
Key Tools | Cost-of-living calculators, original research reports, product comparison tools. |
Best For | Understanding the financial implications of road safety and making data-informed consumer choices. |