Most Dangerous Roads in Texas for Truck Accidents

Texas has the unfortunate distinction of leading the nation in fatal truck crashes. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Texas consistently ranks at the top for large truck fatalities year after year, accounting for over 13% of the nation’s total in 2021 alone.

Why? Texas is a freight powerhouse. With major interstate corridors, oilfield traffic, and cross-border commercial transport, our roads are filled with heavy trucks operating on tight schedules. When disasters occur on Texas highways, 18-wheelers often cause the most destruction. Catastrophes follow when safety measures are neglected, or when driver fatigue, poor maintenance, or inadequate road design play a role.

At Webster Vicknair MacLeod, we’ve represented countless clients whose lives were forever changed by truck accidents. Below are the Texas roadways most notorious for truck collisions, based on a combination of data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), NHTSA, and FMCSA, as well as recent reporting from KHOU 11, NBC DFW, and Houston Chronicle investigations.

1. I-45 (Between Houston and Dallas)

I-45 has long been known for its high fatality rates, but truck-involved crashes are growing. From Houston to Dallas, especially in Harris and Montgomery Counties, this route sees a toxic mix of commuter congestion, distracted drivers, and relentless freight traffic.

Statistics

Click2Houston and the Texas Department of Transportation report that:

• There were 97 fatal crashes on I-45 in 2023, with 105 people losing their lives
• In 2021, the car insurance company called Budget Direct named I-45 the deadliest road in the U.S., with an average of 56.5 accidents happening every 100 miles
• More than 40 percent of all crashes in the state happen in Harris County

2. I-35 (Austin to San Antonio)

The stretch of I-35 between Austin and San Antonio is a known danger zone. With its mix of construction zones, stop-and-go city traffic, and high-speed trucking, it’s a hotbed for serious 18-wheeler collisions.

Statistics

According to TxDOT’s I-35 Safety Campaign:

• In 2018, there were 20,401 traffic crashes along I-35 in Texas, which resulted in 153 deaths and 471 serious injuries
• The top causes of fatal crashes along the corridor were speeding and the failure of pedestrians to yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing the busy highway
• In 2018, there were 2,791 crashes in work zones on I-35 in Texas, resulting in 19 fatalities and 59 serious injuries

3. US-290 (Houston to Austin)

Often overshadowed by interstates, US-290 carries a high volume of oil and gas-related freight, especially near Waller County, making it one of Texas’s most dangerous non-interstate routes for truck wrecks.

Statistics

TxDOT’s 290 Traffic Study reports:

• Areas near Manor, Elgin, Giddings, Brenham, and Houston have been pinpointed as crash hotspots along US-290
• Rural sections of US-290 exhibit higher crash rates compared to the statewide average
• The Austin to Dripping Springs Segment (2016–2022) recorded 1,245 crashes, including 19 fatal incidents and 44 resulting in serious injuries
• Between 2016 and 2022, the Roger Hanks Parkway to Rob Shelton Boulevard Segment reported 332 crashes, with one fatality and four serious injuries
• In the Austin to Dripping Springs area, approximately one crash occurs every other day
• Approximately 31,000 vehicles travel daily within specific segments of US-290, nearing the route's capacity and contributing to congestion

4. I-10 (From El Paso to Houston)

I-10 spans 879 miles across Texas and is vital for national commerce. But it’s also deadly, especially in major metro areas like El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston, where truck congestion and speed combine with catastrophic results.

Statistics

Per the I-10 Texas Safety Factsheet:

• Between 2015 and 2021, there were 147,496 total crashes on I-10 in Texas across the three segments
• The East Segment experienced nearly half (49%) of the crashes, followed by Central (30%), and West (21%)
• There were 19,690 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes on I-10 in Texas between 2015 and 2021, which accounted for approximately 15% of all crashes

What to Do If You're Hit by a Truck in Texas

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, here’s what you should do:

• Seek medical care immediately—even if symptoms aren’t apparent
• Document the scene and your injuries
• Don’t speak to the trucking company or their insurer
• Call Webster Vicknair MacLeod at (713) 396-5197 for a free case review

Don’t Settle for Less. Fight Back with Webster Vicknair Macleod.

Every catastrophic truck accident starts long before impact with a series of negligent decisions: missed safety inspections, skipped rest breaks, overloaded trailers, poor training, and reckless driving. These aren't just mistakes—they're violations of duty that can cost lives.

At Webster Vicknair MacLeod, we’ve spent decades uncovering the root causes of 18-wheeler wrecks and holding every liable party—drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and insurers—accountable in court. We know what it takes to win with over 120 years of combined trial experience, a proven record of multi-million-dollar verdicts, and deep insight into federal and state trucking regulations.

Our attorneys are licensed in multiple states and recognized by organizations like Super Lawyers, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.