According to Houston Vision Zero, there were 331 deaths due to auto accidents in Houston in 2021, and 1,620 serious injuries. That same year, Houston accounted for more than seven percent of all traffic deaths in the state. Just like other major cities in the country, not all roads and highways in Houston have a high risk of traffic accidents. However, there are locations where accidents are more likely to happen. It is important for all drivers in the city to know where they are so they can take the necessary precautions that can help avoid a crash.
What Makes Some Roads in Houston More Dangerous Than Others?
There are many factors that make certain roads more dangerous than others in Houston. Some of these include:
- High traffic volume: Roads that have high volumes of traffic are naturally also going to have more car accidents than roads that are used by fewer drivers.
- Merge areas: When motorists must merge into other lanes of traffic, it increases the possibility of an accident occurring. Some drivers may not properly yield the right-of-way, fail to check their blind spots, and otherwise act negligently, resulting in a crash.
- Poor visibility: Roads that have twists and turns, or that are lined with obstructions such as trees can make it harder for motorists to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Additionally, when roads are not properly lit, it can make it difficult for drivers to see an obstacle before it is too late.
- Higher speed limits: Even when drivers abide by the posted speed limit, traveling faster inherently increases the risk of a crash occurring. When drivers are traveling at a high speed, they do not have as much time to perceive road hazards and react to them, which increases the chance of an accident. Highways and other roads that have higher speed limits do not only increase the chance of accidents, but they also result in crashes being more severe.
In addition to the above inherent dangers, there are also many driving behaviors that contribute to accidents. The most common of these are as follows:
- Driving while impaired
- Driving while fatigued
- Texting or sending emails while driving
- Failing to comply with traffic laws, including right-of-way laws
Which are the Most Dangerous Roads in Houston?
Some roads in Houston are inherently more dangerous than others in the city. According to the Houston Chronicle, the following roads are among the most dangerous in the city:
Along with roadways, there are also certain intersections in Houston that also see more accidents than others. These include:
- Westheimer Road and Sam Houston Parkway
- Sam Houston Parkway and Main Street
- South Loop and Main Street
- Aldine Bender and JFK
Even when accidents at these intersections do not result in serious injuries or fatalities, they can cause significant property damage. Drivers should also remain aware of cyclists and pedestrians when approaching these intersections, as these individuals can suffer much more harm during a crash than another motorist.
North America’s Deadliest Highway
Interstate 45 runs right through Houston and the portion that stretches from Dallas to Galveston was recently dubbed ‘North America’s Deadliest Highway’ due to the high number of traffic fatalities that happen on it. Furthermore, the portion of Interstate 45 that runs through Houston was determined to be the most dangerous stretch of this highway.
There were 73 fatal crashes on Houston’s portion of the I-45 in Houston. According to Houston Vision Zero, there were 266 traffic fatalities throughout the entire city in 2019, meaning that 25 percent of all fatalities happened on Houston’s stretch of the I-45 that same year.
Other Dangerous Highways in Houston
While Interstate 45 may be deemed the deadliest highway on the continent, there are other highways that also pose many hazards to motorists. These are as follows:
- Interstate 10: Interstate 10 connects Anthony, Texas with Louisiana’s state line, and it runs through Harris County. Over a seven-year period, there were 676 fatalities on the portion that runs through Houston, meaning nearly 100 people were killed on the highway each year, according to KHOU.
- US Highway 59: The stretch of Us Highway 59 that runs through Harris County saw 318 fatal traffic accidents in the same seven-year period analyzed by KHOU. This means each year there were just over 50 traffic deaths on this portion of the highway.
- State Highway 105: Just north of downtown Houston is State Highway 105, which runs through Montgomery County. During the same seven years examined by KHOU, there were 91 traffic fatalities on this road, which is approximately ten deaths each year.
How to Avoid Car Accidents in Houston
You may not always be able to avoid the most dangerous roads and highways in Houston, but there are still ways you can try to avoid a crash. These include:
- Avoid all distractions including using your phone, eating, grooming, and rowdy passengers.
- Always check your blind spots when merging into traffic or changing lanes.
- Only drive when you are fully awake and alert, as the dangers of drowsy driving have been compared to those of impaired driving.
- Always comply with traffic laws, including making sure you do not drive faster than the posted speed limit.
- Be aware of your surroundings, including what is happening further up the road so you can anticipate problems and avoid them.
Call Our Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Today
Car accidents happen in a second and it is impossible to anticipate when you will be involved in a crash. Remaining cautious when on Houston’s most dangerous roads and driving safely can help, but accidents still happen. If you have been hurt, our Houston car accident lawyer at The Stano Law Firm can ensure your rights are protected while helping you obtain the full settlement you deserve for your injuries and other losses. Call us today at (713) 597-6826 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with our seasoned attorney and to learn more about how we can help.