Texas' 'Deadliest Highway' Is One Of America's Most Dangerous Routes For A Road Trip

At 268,820 square miles, Texas is the second-biggest state in the US, which makes it the perfect place to explore via road trip. From this underrated park boasting red rocks and roaming bison to a quirky "dime store museum" in the heart of Austin, this massive southern state is home to a dizzying array of destinations.

However, heading out on the highway to visit the Lone Star's many alluring gems doesn't come without risk, and — like this stretch of road in Arizona with a deadly reputation— Texas also lays claim to one of the country's most hazardous routes. I-45 begins in the major metropolis of Dallas and then shoots south — eventually right through the heart of Houston — before ending in the port of Galveston on the Gulf of Mexico.

This is not only one of Texas' most heavily-traveled roadways, but also its most dangerous. I-45 consistently ranks at or near the top of America's deadliest stretches of asphalt, and while you may not be able to avoid it completely during your Texas travels, it pays to know before you go.

According to the Accident Data Center, I-45 averages 56.5 fatal accidents per 100 miles. In 2023 alone, the highway saw a whopping 105 fatalities. This is far above the national average of 1.20 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, illustrating just how dangerous I-45 is.

What is it that makes this interstate so accident prone? According to Budget Direct, it has nothing to do with the highway's design, poor maintenance, or external factors such as weather. The main reason I-45 sees so many crashes is its "combination of busy, urban stretches and driver complacency." This is especially true in the concrete sprawl of Houston, which has proven to be the most hazardous stretch of I-45, with 73 deaths in 2019.

Any journey between Dallas and Houston — like this road trip ending at an iconic Texas boardwalk — basically requires you to use I-45. This includes jaunts out to the beaches around Galveston. While you can never entirely eliminate your risk of being involved in a collision on I-45 or any other highway, there are ways you can reduce the likelihood.

Anytime you step behind the wheel you need to be hyper-aware of your surroundings, which is why defensive driving is your best hope for avoiding any kind of accident. This is especially true on a road like I-45, which is prone to backed up traffic and often features aggressive drivers. Always maintain a distance of at least three seconds from the car in front of you, as tailgating is one of the most surefire ways to end up in a crash. Also, lay off the gas pedal. Aside from distracted driving, speeding is the leading cause of accidents in the U.S. today, so take it easy, especially if you're driving on a chaotic road like I-45.

You also may want to consider alternate routes, especially when traveling through Houston. For example, you can get to Galveston by avoiding Houston and I-45 altogether by taking Highway 8 to Highway 22 and then heading south on Highway 146 until you link back up to I-45. While it adds a few miles, you may save time by avoiding the notorious snarl of Houston traffic. 

Speaking of traffic, you'll likely lower your risk of a bang-up by staying off the road during the morning and evening rush hours. That said, the lion's share of deadly accidents occur when the I-45 is at its emptiest, between the witching hours of 2AM and 3AM, with Saturday claiming the most victims. This is where darkness, fatigue, and drunk/impaired driving play their part in pushing up I-45's grim statistics, so your best bet is to eschew driving during those times. While Houston is infamous for its traffic, the nearby Gulf Coast is home to some natural gems, like this unsung state park.