More than 2.3 million people live in Houston, according to the most recent census data, which means there are a lot of people on the roads – and a lot of accidents, too. Here’s what you need to know about accident hotspots in the Bayou City.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Houston
According to a recent study done by students and faculty at the University of Houston, the 10 most dangerous intersections in the area are:
- Pease Street and Fannin Street (59 crashes)
- Bissonnet Street and Westchester Avenue (41 crashes)
- Main Street and Montrose Boulevard (Mecom Fountain Roundabout) (39 crashes)
- FM 1960 and W. Lake Houston Parkway (39 crashes)
- Gessner Road and Westpark Drive (39 crashes)
- Spencer Road and Highway 6 (37 crashes)
- Highway 6 and Bellaire Boulevard (37 crashes)
- Treaschwig Road and FM 1960 (36 crashes)
- Clay Road and Barker Cypress Road (36 crashes)
- Highway 6 and Westheimer Road (36 crashes)
The study’s authors also noted that half of the most dangerous intersections mentioned in the report are along FM 1960 and SH 6. Many of the other intersections listed are inside the 610 loop, suggesting these roads in Houston are accident hotspots for various reasons.
Most Dangerous Roads in Houston
A recent report from the City of Houston noted that these 10 streets are slated to receive significant improvements to reduce accidents:
- Martin Luther King Blvd/Griggs Road/Calhoun Road Bikeway
- Shepherd Drive/Durham Drive
- Fondren Road
- Hillcroft Avenue
- Airline Drive
- Freeport Boulevard
- Cavalcade Street/Homestead Road Bikeway
- Quitman Street
- North Main Street Bikeway
- Rankin Road
Furthermore, the following streets and highways in Houston are widely seen as among the most dangerous:
- I-45 (Gulf Freeway) – This busy interstate is one of the most accident-prone highways in the city, with many crashes occurring due to heavy traffic, construction zones, and reckless driving. I-45 is likely the most dangerous street in Houston.
- US-59 (Southwest Freeway) – Another major freeway, the Southwest Freeway sees numerous collisions each year, often due to speeding, lane changes, and distracted driving.
- Westheimer Road – This major surface street has a high number of crashes, especially at intersections, due to heavy traffic and drivers running red lights.
- Richmond Avenue – Another critical surface road lined with businesses and intersecting roads, Richmond Avenue is a hotspot for side-impact collisions and pedestrian accidents.
- FM 1960 – This busy road outside Houston’s core has a high rate of severe crashes, many related to drunk driving and excessive speeding.
Car Accident Statistics
Here are a few figures from the City of Houston that illustrate the toll car accidents take:
- Over 330 people died and more than 1,600 others suffered severe injuries in Houston car crashes during one recent year.
- Aside from drivers and passengers, pedestrians are the most common victims in car accidents, with over 100 pedestrian deaths and 220 severe injuries reported in one recent year.
- Deaths and severe injuries are much higher among Houston’s Hispanic and Black populations. They account for 41 percent and 33 percent of all traffic deaths, respectively, while the non-Hispanic white population accounts for 23 percent of deaths.
Click for more detailed Houston highway accident statistics.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Houston for Help
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash in Houston, Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can help you demand justice. Contact our car accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
