Houston is notorious for the number of truck accidents that occur in the area. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that Harris County had the highest number of commercial vehicle accidents statewide.
Of the more than 39,000 commercial vehicle crashes reported statewide in one recent year, over 6,300 of those collisions happened in Harris County. Dallas County had the second-highest number of commercial vehicle accidents, with over 3,800 incidents.
What about Houston makes it a truck accident hotspot, and what are Houston’s most dangerous roads?
Interstate 45: America’s Most Dangerous Highway
Interstate 45 is a well-known accident hot zone in Houston. News reports indicate that in one recent year, about 25 percent of all traffic deaths in Houston happened on I-45.
Some factors that make I-45 particularly prone to car and truck accidents include:
- Truck traffic – Houston’s proximity to the Gulf Coast makes it a major logistics and shipping hub. Many commercial trucks travel on I-45 daily from Galveston to Houston to Dallas and other destinations, increasing the likelihood of severe crashes with smaller passenger vehicles.
- Construction zones – Ongoing projects and lane closures create sudden merges, narrowed lanes, and confusion that often lead to accidents when drivers fail to take precautions.
- High speeds – Drivers moving at highway speeds have little room to correct mistakes, especially when trucks and other commercial motor vehicles follow too closely.
- Driver behavior – Distracted and impaired driving on I-45 leaves motorists with less time to respond to sudden changes in traffic flow.
- Congestion – Heavy morning or evening rush hour traffic causes stop-and-go conditions that raise the risk of rear-end collisions and chain-reaction crashes.
- Weather conditions – Heavy rain and other adverse weather can affect roadway traction and decrease visibility, adding to the already high crash rate.
Other High-Risk Roads in Houston
While I-45 is a particularly dangerous road in Houston, it is not the only one.
Other high-risk roads in the area include:
- Interstate 10 (Katy Freeway) – The major east-west interstate highway carries heavy commuter and freight traffic. Frequent congestion, high speeds, and the high volume of trucks make crashes common, especially during rush hour.
- Interstate 610 (The Loop) – As Houston’s inner beltway, the 610 Loop has constant merging traffic, lane changes, and a mix of commercial vehicles and commuters. These conditions often create dangerous situations that lead to truck and car collisions.
- Other high-volume corridors – Roads like U.S. 59, State Highway 288, Highway 290, and Highway 225 also face high accident rates. Heavy truck use and ongoing construction make these areas risky for truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers alike.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Common in Houston?
Heavy freight traffic mixing with daily commuters on roads that already face congestion and frequent construction are some of the reasons truck accidents and other commercial motor vehicle accidents are widespread in Houston. Trucks have longer stopping distances, and collisions become more likely when truck drivers speed or follow too closely. Distracted or fatigued driving also contributes to many Houston truck crashes. Weather also plays a role, since heavy rain can quickly turn crowded highways into significant accident hazards.
Contact Our Houston Truck Accident Lawyers for Legal Help
The Callahan Law Firm has fought for injured people in Houston and throughout Texas for over 30 years, winning millions of dollars in compensation for individuals and families we represent. Let us handle all the legal work in your truck accident claim so you can focus on healing. We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means that you owe us nothing for attorney’s fees or case expenses unless a financial recovery is made in your case.
Call us 24/7 at (713) 589-7767 or complete our contact form for a free case review with one of our Houston Truck Accident Attorneys to answer your questions and discuss how we can help.
