The 10 Deadliest Roads in Texas
Texas consistently records some of the highest traffic fatality numbers in the country, and certain roads stand out as especially hazardous. Analysts who study federal and state crash data focus not only on total collisions, but also on factors like fatalities per mile, crash clusters, driver behavior, and roadway design. With more than 554,000 crashes reported in Texas in 2024, the scale of the problem is clear.
Below are 10 Texas roadways that repeatedly rank among the most dangerous.
1. Interstate 45 (I-45)
I-45 is often cited as the most dangerous highway in both Texas and the U.S. The Houston segment combines heavy congestion, ongoing construction, and complex interchanges. In 2023, the corridor recorded over 100 fatalities and roughly 56 fatal crashes per 100 miles. Dense urban traffic and frequent merging create an environment where even low-speed collisions can be severe.
2. Interstate 10 (I-10)
Running from El Paso to Louisiana, I-10 spans everything from rural desert to packed urban centers. West Texas sections allow speeds up to 80 mph, contributing to fatigue-related and high-impact crashes, while metro areas like Houston and San Antonio bring heavy congestion. Between 2019 and 2023, more than 1,300 fatalities were recorded along this route.
3. Interstate 35 (I-35)
I-35 cuts through San Antonio, Austin, Waco, and Dallas–Fort Worth, making it one of the most heavily traveled highways in the state. Continuous construction, frequent lane shifts, and stop-and-go congestion raise the risk of crashes. Austin, in particular, has seen a steady rise in fatal wrecks along this corridor.
4. U.S. Route 83
Stretching the full height of Texas, US 83 is primarily rural and often two lanes. Limited lighting, narrow shoulders, and minimal barriers contribute to a high rate of head-on and run-off-road crashes. On average, roughly three dozen fatalities occur along this highway each year.
5. U.S. Route 290
US 290 links Austin and Houston and carries a mix of commuters, commercial trucks, and long-distance travelers. High speeds, numerous access points, and recurring congestion—especially in Harris County—make rear-end crashes and aggressive lane changes common.
6. U.S. Route 59 (Eastex Freeway)
The Houston portion of US 59, known as the Eastex Freeway, is dense with interchanges, entrance ramps, and a heavy blend of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. Sudden merges and inconsistent speeds frequently lead to severe collisions, including crashes involving large trucks.
7. State Highway 6 (SH 6)
SH 6 has become increasingly hazardous as suburbs outside Houston have expanded. The highway passes through miles of retail centers and neighborhoods, producing constant intersections and turning points. High traffic volume combined with mixed residential and commercial use has led to elevated crash rates.
8. Interstate 20 (I-20)
I-20 runs from the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex into rural West Texas. Inside DFW, heavy congestion and large numbers of semi-trucks contribute to serious multi-vehicle crashes. Farther west, long, straight stretches encourage high speeds and can lead to fatigued-driver collisions. One multi-year review recorded more than 340 fatal crashes along I-20.
9. McCart Avenue (Fort Worth)
Not all high-risk roads are highways. McCart Avenue in Fort Worth has been identified as one of the most dangerous urban streets in the country, with 10 fatalities recorded in just a three-mile segment. Frequent intersections, pedestrian activity, and dense local traffic contribute to T-bone and head-on collisions.
10. State Highway 130 (SH 130)
South of Austin, SH 130 holds the highest posted speed limit in the U.S. at 85 mph. Although designed as a bypass for I-35, the extreme speeds mean reduced reaction time and severe impact forces in the event of a crash. Even with lighter traffic, the velocity alone makes the highway unforgiving.