Home to 4.7 million people and some of Texas’s busiest highways and industrial routes, Harris County unsurprisingly leads the state in motor vehicle accidents. But the number of car and truck crashes in greater Houston is rising at an alarming rate, now accounting for an astounding 21% of all motor vehicle accidents in the Lone Star State, an all-time high.
Read on to learn why the highways and streets in Harris County are more dangerous than ever.
Harris County, TX Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics
In 2023, there were 116,521 crashes total in Harris County — the most ever recorded — according to the Texas Department of Transportation:
- 501 were fatal crashes
- 533 people lost their lives
- 2,763 more were seriously injured
Harris County far outpaces any other Texas county with its staggering rate of crashes.
For instance, Dallas County, home to the second highest-rate of motor vehicle crashes in the state, saw only 52,433 total crashes and 336 fatalities during the same time period. Harris County had twice as many crashes total and over one and half times the number of fatalities.
What Are the Most Dangerous Accidents in Harris County, TX?
A car or truck wreck can happen for any number of reasons. However, the following types of accidents in Harris County are not only the most dangerous but, in our experience, almost always entirely preventable:
Speed-involved crashes. Speeding caused by far the highest number of crashes and fatalities in Harris County in 2023, accounting for 38,454 accidents total and leading to a devastating 174 fatalities.
Distracted driving accidents. Inattentive drivers accounted for well over 10,000 of all crashes in Harris County in 2023, and tragically claimed 19 lives, while injuring thousands more.
Truck and 18-wheeler accidents. Large trucks and other commercial motor vehicles were involved in over 6,100 accidents in greater Houston last year, claiming 40 lives, and severely injuring at least 149.
DUI (Alcohol) crashes. Driving under the influence led to 3,338 accidents in Harris County in 2023. Of these accidents, 140 proved fatal, claiming 161 lives and injuring thousands more.
Work zone crashes. There were 1,9000 accidents across Harris County’s road work zones in 2023. Although you might think slower speed limits and cautious drivers would make these crashes less severe than those on high-speed stretches of highway, 13 people still lost their lives and hundreds more were injured.
Harris County leads Texas in fatal speeding-related and DUI accidents. While Dallas has the highest number of trucking accident fatalities (with 43 deaths) compared to Harris County’s 40, both counties top the state with 38 fatal truck accidents each.
Other significant causes of crashes in Harris County include failure to stay in a single lane, unsafe lane changes, and running stop signs. These types of accidents often result from entirely preventable factors such as driver fatigue or untrained and inexperienced truck drivers.
When such negligence plays a part in a crash, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Where Do The Most Dangerous Accidents Occur in Harris County, TX?
A motor vehicle accident can occur anytime, anywhere in Harris County — and the deadliest crashes don’t always take place where you might think.
In 2023, for instance:
- 323 fatalities occurred in urban areas, and nearly half of them took place on city streets.
- 210 fatalities occurred on rural roadways, and county roads were by far the most dangerous.
In fact, city streets in greater Houston saw as many traffic fatalities as the interstates, U.S. and state highways, and tollways combined. And county roads accounted for 46% of all fatal accidents in rural areas.
Some of the most dangerous stretches of road in Houston include Westheimer Rd. east of Hwy. 6, Gessner Rd. north of 1-69, Telephone Rd. from Griggs St. to Roe Dr., and St. Joseph Pkwy. between Caroline St. and St. Emanuel St.
How to Stay Safe on Harris County Roads
While you can’t control other drivers’ behaviors, it is possible to reduce the risk of a crash when you’re behind the wheel.
Driving responsibly is the only way to mitigate your risks on Harris County roads:
- Avoid using your cell phone and other distractions while driving.
- Don’t drive fatigued. Take regular breaks, ask another driver to relieve you, or get off the road and find a safe place to rest.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Always buckle up. Make sure kids always ride in the back seat, buckled up, or in car seats.
- Be patient. Maintain a safe speed and don’t drive aggressively.
- Avoid sudden movements, including lane changes, sudden stops, or abrupt turns. Give trucks plenty of room and notice when you’re making a change.
By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash. Each responsible decision you make behind the wheel helps create a safer driving environment for everyone.
Billions Won — How Zehl Can Help if You Were Injured in a Texas Motor Vehicle Accident
If a reckless driver causes a crash, you have the right to hold them accountable. But it’s crucial to contact an experienced legal team that specializes in complex motor vehicle accident cases as soon as possible in order to protect your legal rights and future.
At Zehl & Associates, our top priority is ALWAYS to recover maximum compensation for our clients’ injuries and losses and make sure they receive the best medical treatment available.
Common motor vehicle cases we represent:
- Large truck and 18-wheeler accidents
- Bus accidents
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Drunk driver accidents
- Uninsured & Underinsured accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Rear-end crashes
- Head-ons
- Rollovers and Blowouts
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
We have the resources, experience, and knowledge to go up against any opponent, including the largest companies in the world. We’re not only known for our success in and out of the courtroom, but for our unwavering commitment to clients — we will ALWAYS refuse any settlement offer that doesn’t provide our clients with the full compensation they deserve.
Undefeated Houston Accident Attorneys: Call 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult
Having won Billions, including the largest truck and 18-wheeler accident settlements in history, our undefeated Texas motor vehicle accident lawyers have consistently demonstrated that we don’t just win for accident victims – we set records.
If you or a loved one were injured or tragically killed in a Harris County motor vehicle accident, call 1-888-603-3636, use the chat feature on our website, or click here to send us a confidential email through our Contact Us form.
We’ll answer all your questions, explain your rights and options, and provide you with all the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.
All consultations are free, and you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.