If you live in Houston, you already know the answer to this question — all Houston roads can be deadly, but especially Houston’s highways. Even when the speed limit on highways and interstates is high (60 or 70 mph), you see drivers exceeding that speed limit. For many of us, other drivers appear as a blur as they speed past us going 80 mph or more. Sadly, speed-related accidents are among the deadliest accidents in the country, which could explain why Houston’s roads are the deadliest in the country.
How Deadly Are Houston Roads?
The Houston Chronicle compiled and analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine just how deadly Houston roads are compared to other major metropolitan areas around the country. The results of the Chronicle’s research were shocking, even though some people may have expected the results given the number of accidents they witness on Houston highways each day. A key takeaway from the Chronicle’s report is that Houston has the worst record for traffic fatalities when comparing the 12 largest metropolitan areas in the country. The city ranks in first place overall for traffic deaths. Dallas was second.
In all 12 categories, Houston ranked in the top five for fatalities. In one-half of those categories, Houston ranked either in first or second place.
Below is a list of Houston’s rankings by category:
- Total Rank for Deadliest Roads – 1st place
- DUI Involved Fatalities – 1st place
- Drugged Driving Involved Fatalities – 1st place
- Speed-Related Accident Fatalities – 2nd place
- Interstate Deaths – 2nd place
- Pedestrians Killed on Interstates – 2nd place
- Accidents Resulting from Traffic Backups – 2nd place
- Multiple Fatalities in an Accident – 3rd place
- Trucks Involved in Accidents – 3rd place
- Bicyclists Hit – 4th place
- Accidents Resulting from Rage Chases – 4th place
- Pedestrians Hit – 5th place
- Accidents at Intersections – 5th place
It is estimated that 640 individuals lose their lives on Houston-area roads each year. More than 2,850 individuals are seriously injured on Houston roads each year. The Chronicle compares the death toll on Houston roads to three fully loaded 737 airplanes crashing each year killing all aboard. If three airplanes crashed each year in Houston killing all passengers, there would be a serious backlash and an investigation.
However, year after year, we see the same number of people being killed on Houston roads with very little being done to stop the accidents that cause the deaths.
The above information is just a small portion of the information in the Chronicle’s article. You can read much more about Houston’s deadly roads and the results of the research here.
Deadly Stretches of Roads in Houston Examined More Closely
In a more recent article, the results of a Channel 2 Investigation reveal the deadliest roads in the Houston area based on fatal crash reports for 2018. Four key areas that Channel 2 identified from its research were:
- Spencer Road in northwest Harris County
- Veteran’s and I-45 north of State Highway 249
- I-45 going through Conroe
- Gulf Freeway near the 610-interchange
Channel 2 constructed an interactive map that provides the details of the deadly crashes they examined. You can find the interactive map and the full story here.
Why Are Houston Area Roads Deadly?
Many of the sources, including the sources above, cite driver error as a common cause of many deadly traffic accidents. Some of the common reasons for deadly crashes in Houston include:
- Speeding
- Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Using cell phones while driving
- Road rage or aggressive driving
- Congested roads
While road conditions and weather conditions can be factors in some crashes, most automobile accidents are caused by driver error.
Contact a Houston Auto Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
If another driver causes a traffic accident, that driver can and should be held liable for any damages resulting from that accident. Accident victims and their families suffer substantial losses and damages because of the injuries sustained in a crash. They are entitled to receive compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost income, physical pain, and emotional suffering.
The Texas personal injury lawyers of Weycer Law Firm are dedicated to helping the victims of Houston area traffic accidents seek the compensation they deserve for an injury claim. For a free consultation, call (713) 668-4545. You may also use the chat feature on our website for information 24/7.