The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Texas

Texas is home to some of the busiest highways and intersections in the United States. With sprawling metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, alongside long rural stretches that carry heavy freight, traffic conditions can be especially hazardous. Each year, thousands of serious and fatal crashes occur across the state, with specific locations standing out as particularly dangerous.

This guide highlights Texas’s 10 deadliest intersections and 10 most hazardous road stretches. We break down crash statistics, common collision types, and contributing factors such as road design, commuter growth, and severe weather. Whether commuting in Houston, traveling across Dallas-Fort Worth, or driving through rural highways, knowing these high-risk spots can help you stay safer on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas crash, Local Accident Reports can help you obtain your official crash report and connect you with experienced Texas injury attorneys who fight for your rights

Top 10 Deadliest Intersections in Texas

1. I-35 & US-290 West, Austin

This massive interchange in Travis County has recorded more than 400 crashes and at least 15 fatalities over five years. High traffic volumes, commuter congestion, and multiple merging ramps make it one of the state’s most dangerous intersections. Located close to the Texas State Capitol and the University of Texas, it experiences intense daily commuter traffic and heavy freight activity.

2. I-635 (LBJ Freeway) & US-75 (Central Expressway), Dallas

With more than 380 crashes and 14 fatalities, this major junction is one of the busiest in Dallas County. Congestion is nearly constant, weaving traffic from freight and passenger vehicles makes conditions treacherous. Tight ramp designs and short merging zones contribute to frequent rear-end and sideswipe collisions.

3. I-10 & Loop 610 West, Houston

In Harris County, this interchange sees more than 360 crashes and 13 deaths in five years. It is a vital corridor for commuters and freight, running through Houston’s dense Energy Corridor. Complex ramp designs and enormous daily volumes create constant congestion, and crashes here often involve multiple vehicles.

4. US-281 & Loop 1604, San Antonio

With more than 340 crashes and 12 deaths, this Bexar County interchange has grown increasingly dangerous as suburban expansion accelerates. High commuter volumes, heavy commercial vehicles, and frequent lane changes create constant hazards. Nearby shopping districts draw additional traffic, raising the risk of angle crashes and congestion-related collisions.

5. I-45 & Loop 610 North, Houston

This interchange has recorded more than 320 crashes and 12 fatalities. Known for daily congestion, it is particularly hazardous during peak rush hours. Complex merging lanes and weaving traffic often cause sudden stops, contributing to pileups and rear-end crashes.

6. I-35E & I-30 Interchange, Dallas

This complex downtown interchange has seen 300 crashes and 11 deaths in recent years. A mix of freight and commuter traffic, combined with frequent lane changes, makes it one of the most difficult intersections to navigate in Dallas. Drivers unfamiliar with the area often make sudden moves, increasing collision risks.

7. I-20 & Loop 288, Denton

With more than 280 crashes and 10 fatalities, this Denton County intersection combines suburban commuter traffic with highway speeds. Multiple signalized intersections and frequent congestion create opportunities for rear-end and angle crashes.

8. SH-121 & SH-26, Lewisville

This high-speed intersection in Denton County has reported 260 crashes and nine fatalities. Rapid commercial growth has created additional access points and more turning traffic, leading to frequent collisions. Left-turn crashes are prevalent due to poor visibility and impatient drivers.

9. I-37 & SH-181, San Antonio

In San Antonio, this major urban arterial records 240 crashes and nine fatalities. Heavy commuter and freight traffic and multiple access points make this one of the city’s riskiest intersections.

10. US-77 & Loop 289, Lubbock

This Lubbock County interchange has seen at least 220 crashes and eight fatalities in five years. High-speed highway traffic mixes with commercial vehicle routes, and limited lighting in some areas makes night driving especially hazardous.

Top 10 Deadliest Road Stretches in Texas

1. I-35: Laredo to Dallas

With more than 150 fatal crashes and 160 deaths between 2018 and 2022, I-35 is Texas’s deadliest road. As the busiest north-south interstate, it constantly mixes commuters and freight traffic. Fatigue-related crashes and severe weather contribute to frequent pileups, particularly between San Antonio and Austin.

2. US-59 / I-69: Houston to Laredo

This central freight corridor has seen more than 140 fatal crashes and 150 deaths. The highway runs through rural and urban areas, carrying enormous truck volumes. In rural stretches, limited passing opportunities encourage risky maneuvers, while urban segments are prone to congestion.

3. I-10: Houston to San Antonio

One of Texas’s busiest east-west corridors, I-10, recorded at least 130 fatal crashes and 140 deaths in recent years. The route passes through Houston’s Energy Corridor and San Antonio’s commercial districts. It combines urban congestion with long, high-speed rural stretches where weather hazards and fatigue-related accidents are common.

4. US-287: Fort Worth to Amarillo

This highway saw more than 120 fatal crashes and 125 deaths. Wildlife crossings, rural high-speed stretches, and heavy freight traffic create constant risks. Long distances between services contribute to fatigue-related crashes.

5. SH-6: Waco to College Station

With more than 110 fatal crashes and 115 deaths, this corridor is dangerous due to its mix of suburban and rural segments. School zones, commuter congestion, and high travel speeds make this a particularly complex and risky highway.

6. I-20: Dallas to Midland

This east-west interstate has recorded more than 100 fatal crashes and 105 deaths. It combines urban congestion in Dallas-Fort Worth, long rural stretches, and frequent fatigue-related accidents.

7. US-75: Dallas to Sherman

With more than 95 fatal crashes and 100 deaths, this corridor is a busy urban freeway that sees constant commuter traffic. Frequent lane changes and congestion make it particularly prone to rear-end collisions.

8. Loop 1604: San Antonio

This suburban loop has seen more than 90 fatal crashes and 95 deaths. Rapid growth in the San Antonio area has put pressure on the roadway. Weaving traffic, merging conflicts, and frequent congestion create constant hazards.

9. SH-121: Dallas-Fort Worth area

This suburban freeway reports at least 85 fatal crashes and 90 deaths. It carries commuter and freight traffic, creating a constant risk of high-speed crashes and merging conflicts.

10. US-59: Houston to Cleveland

This corridor saw 80 fatal crashes and 85 deaths. It combines rural stretches with suburban access points, creating high-speed hazards and congestion-related crashes. Limited passing zones often lead to dangerous overtaking maneuvers.

Safety Tips for Texas Drivers

Texas’s vast highways and busy metropolitan areas require constant vigilance from drivers. To stay safe:

• Congestion plan: Major corridors like I-35, I-10, and I-45 face daily delays. Anticipate sudden stops.
• Watch for trucks: Texas is a freight hub, and commercial trucks dominate highways like I-69 and I-20. Give trucks extra space and avoid blind spots.
• Be mindful. Wildlife crossings, poor lighting, and fatigue-related crashes are common in rural areas. Take regular breaks on long drives.
• Prepare for weather: Sudden thunderstorms, heavy rains, and fog frequently reduce visibility and traction. Slow down and increase following distance.
• Avoid distractions: Even inattention can lead to severe crashes in high-speed conditions. Put your phone away while driving.
• Always wear your seatbelt: Buckling up is the simplest protective step.

For more statewide safety initiatives and crash prevention strategies, the Texas Department of Transportation provides extensive resources on roadway hazards and driver education.

Why Awareness Matters for Texas Drivers

With Texas’s size and population growth, traffic safety has become one of the state’s most urgent concerns. Knowing where the most dangerous roads and intersections are is not just useful for statistics; it is a critical step in reducing preventable crashes. Drivers aware of these high-risk areas can plan smarter routes, anticipate congestion, and exercise extra caution where hazards are most common. For example, slowing down when approaching a known trouble spot like I-35 in Austin or Loop 610 in Houston can mean a safe trip and a severe collision.

Awareness also empowers communities. By recognizing patterns of dangerous driving conditions, residents and local leaders can advocate for infrastructure improvements, better signage, and more law enforcement presence in problem areas. Tourists, who often make up a large portion of traffic in cities like San Antonio and Dallas, also benefit from this knowledge. Everyone wins when locals and visitors commit to safer driving habits in the state’s riskiest corridors. Ultimately, understanding these crash-prone areas is about more than data; it is about protecting lives and building safer roads for millions of Texans every year.

What to Do After a Texas Car Crash

Knowing what steps to take after a collision can protect your health and legal rights:

1. Move to a safe location if possible.
2. Call 911 for emergency services.
3. Exchange insurance and contact details.
4. Document the scene with photos and notes.
5. Avoid admitting fault until speaking with an attorney.
6. Request your official crash report. Local Accident Reports can help you obtain it.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also provides national crash data, safety recalls, and prevention tools.

Get Help After a Car Accident in Texas

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash on one of Texas’s most dangerous roads or intersections, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. At Local Accident Reports, we provide up-to-date accident information and connect you with trusted Texas attorneys who understand local laws and will fight for your rights.

Whether you are dealing with medical expenses, insurance disputes, or losing a loved one, the proper legal support can make all the difference. Take the first step toward recovery today.

Call Local Accident Reports at 1 (888) 657-1460 for a free case referral to an experienced accident attorney near you.