Interstate 45 connects Galveston to Dallas and is just under 285 miles long. The highway has a reputation for two things: it is the shortest of all the interstates and the only interstate highway to be contained within a single state, meaning it is the only intrastate interstate highway in the nation. However, the area off the roadway in the Houston area has a darker reputation for fatal car crashes.
Most Dangerous Road in the Country
Every few weeks, someone is killed in a car crash on I-45 in Houston. However, the number of deadly car crashes are just the tip of the iceburg. Deadly collisions have been a serious issue on the interstate for many years, to the extent that Popular Mechanics recently rated the Houston area section of the highway as the most dangerous road in the United States. According to the article, there are 56.4 deaths repoted annually for every 100 miles of roadway on I-45 in Houston. That comes out to a fatality every seven days on average.
Most Commons Causes of Deadly Houston Auto Wrecks
The article from Popular Mechanics cites texting while driving, intoxicated drivers, and speeding as the three leading causes of deadly car accidents on I-45. Speeding and failure to control speed are contributing factors in many crashes, but over 3,600 people are killed annually by drunk drivers on Texas roadways. Nearly 400 deaths each year across the state are the result of driver distractions such as cell phone use.
How Can We Fix the I-45 Problem?
It is interesting that, despite having the most dangerous roadway in the country, Houston only ranks 15th nationally for car crashes per capita. Houston also ranks first in population size. This means that we have more people but fewer crashes per capita than nearly any other major city in Texas. We could make our city safer if we could just find a way to reduce the rate of collisions on I-45.
Let’s hope that the ongoing construction can solve the problem. However, that assumes that the construction will come to an end one day. Until that time, if you have been unfairly injured in a car crash that was not your fault, contact a Houston personal injury lawyer at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD today.
Car Wreck Attorneys in Houston
Being injured in serious collisions isn’t easy. There were 47,585 collisions reported in Houston in 2012 alone, 5,387 of which resulted in injuries. Traffic fatalities are on the rise in the city, with a reported 11 percent increase from 2011 to 2012. Injured parties need the help of a qualified Texas car wreck lawyer to handle their case.
West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD is here to ensure your case is given the respect it deserves. Our team of experienced lawyers is here to fight for your rights after being unfairly injured in a sudden car accident. We want you to feel confident that your legal rights are being protected and that there is a committed team to advocate on your side. Contact our offices today at 713-840-7200 to discuss your case.
Recent Comments