Our Accident Lawyers Share Why I-45 in Houston is America’s Most Dangerous Highway and What to Do After a Crash

Pasadena’s I-45: The Most Dangerous Highway in the U.S.

Houston’s Interstate 45, often referred to as I-45, has earned a dubious title: the most dangerous highway in America. The stretch of I-45 that runs through the city of Houston has consistently ranked among the deadliest highways nationwide. From severe accidents to tragic fatalities, the road’s reputation for danger is alarming. 

We’ll discuss why I-45 is so dangerous, what types of accidents typically happen here, and how you can keep yourself safe on the road if you need to travel on I-45. And if you’ve suffered as a result of a Texas crash, SJ Attorneys can help you navigate the aftermath.

Why Pasadena’s I-45 is So Dangerous

Accident statistics are sobering. Approximately 43,000 people lose their lives in crashes on the road each year in the United States. Road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults up to the age of 29. 

The span of highway I-45 within Houston sees approximately 56.5 fatal accidents for every 100 miles of roadway—a huge percentage concentrated in a single area. This particularly busy stretch of road is subject to particularly high traffic volume every day. When combined with inattentive or reckless driving behaviors such as distracted driving, driving under the influence, drowsy driving, and more, driving on I-45 can lead to devastating consequences. From serious, life-altering injuries to complete loss of lives, the toll of accidents on I-45 is profound and heartbreaking.

Safe Driving on I-45

Given its reputation, drivers should exercise heightened awareness and take steps to increase safety and reduce the risk of accidents when driving on I-45:

• Stay focused. Distracted driving is always unsafe, but it is particularly so when traversing a dangerous stretch of highway. Stay off your phone. Don’t eat or mess with the car’s entertainment center, and minimize disruptions due to conversation with others in the vehicle.
• Use defensive driving. Use defensive driving techniques to make sure you are staying safe. Leave distance between you and other cars in case you have to brake suddenly.
• Don’t speed. Per the Institute of Road Safety Research, the faster you go, the worse the results might be if you’re involved in an accident.

Houston’s I-45 may be the most dangerous highway in the U.S., but with heightened awareness and proactive safety measures, you can help safeguard lives and prevent accidents. 

What to do After an Accident on I-45

If you or a loved one has been the victim of an accident on I-45, seek medical attention right away, even if you think you weren’t hurt. Adrenaline runs high in the body after an accident, and some injuries may not be visible or immediately apparent. It’s important to protect yourself by getting checked out at a hospital or other medical facility. Keep records of any care you received after the crash.

If you are able to do so safely, exchange insurance information with any other people involved in the accident, but try to avoid going into detailed conversations with others about what you think happened. Determining fault in an I-45 accident can be complicated, and you don’t want to implicate yourself through post-crash conversation. 

You may hear from the other party’s insurance adjusters shortly after an accident. They may claim they just want to gather facts and learn what happened, but they are looking for a reason to reduce the blame on their insured so they can minimize any settlement payouts. Be careful what you share with an insurance adjuster, and don’t let them pressure you into quickly accepting a settlement before you talk to a lawyer.