If you’ve ever been too close to a truck, you know how nerve-wracking it can be. In Texas, these moments are a part of a much bigger problem.
Texas sees some of the most dangerous truck accidents in the country, and sadly, they happen more often than people think. Someone loses their life on a Texas road every 2 hours and 3 minutes, and large trucks are involved in many of those crashes.
While trucks are a vital part of how Texas moves, certain roads are known for being especially risky. Below are four highways where truck accidents happen more often, why they occur, and what drivers can do to stay safe out there.
Texan highways are the most dangerous for truck drivers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) consistently ranks Texas first in the country for significant truck crash fatalities, accounting for over 13% of the nation’s total in 2021 alone. That means the most serious crashes are happening on the roads many Texans use every single day.
If you’re not careful, a regular day behind the wheel can turn into a nightmare.
Here are four roads in Texas that are notorious for dangerous truck accidents.
- Interstate 35 (I-35)
I-35 stretches from Laredo up through San Antonio, Austin, Waco, and Dallas, and it’s packed with trucks. Constant construction, tight lanes, heavy commuter traffic, and impatient drivers create a perfect storm for crashes.
- U.S. Route 285 (“Death Highway”)
Route 285 cuts through the oil-rich Permian Basin. This stretch is packed with oil tankers and heavy-duty service trucks, often driven long hours by fatigued drivers on narrow, poorly maintained roads.
- Interstate 10 (I-10)
I-10 is one of the longest highways in the U.S., and Texas claims the most significant portion of it. From El Paso to Houston, truckers rely on it heavily. But speed limits of up to 80 mph and high congestion near cities lead to frequent high-speed accidents.
- Highway 6
This busy route runs through several towns, including Bryan-College Station and parts of Houston. It sees a mix of local traffic and commercial trucks, often with few passing zones or shoulders.
How to prevent accidents and stay safe
You can’t control other drivers, but you can control how you react on the road:
Trucks take longer to stop, so don’t tailgate or cut in too close.
If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they probably can’t see you.
Give trucks space to turn and avoid trying to squeeze by them at intersections.
What to do after a truck accident on the legal side
Not only can a truck accident be frightening, but it can also have complicated legal consequences. Multiple parties are involved (the driver, the trucking company, maybe even a parts manufacturer), and they often have big insurance companies on their side.
Here’s what you should do if you’re ever involved in one:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Call the police and document the scene – photos, witness info, and vehicle details matter.
- Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurance without legal help.
- Reach out to a personal injury lawyer who knows how to handle truck accident cases. They can help look into what happened, deal with the insurance company, and fight to get you the money you need for your injuries.
With so many large trucks on the road, even a small careless mistake can lead to a significant accident. But being cautious, staying alert, and giving trucks the space they need can make you and the fellow safe and fruitful.