Understanding Dallas car accident statistics helps drivers navigate patterns, causes, and ways to stay safe on the road. Whether you commute on I-635, head downtown, or drive late at night, these figures reveal where and when you’re most at risk.
Driving in Dallas is riskier than in most U.S. cities. In 2024, the city recorded 210 fatal crashes, underscoring its place as one of the most dangerous driving environments in Texas. While fatalities trended downward in early 2025, the overall numbers highlight the daily risks drivers face.
If you’ve been injured on the road, an experienced Dallas car accident lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation. Contact AK Law Firm for a free consultation.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Dallas Each Year?
Dallas consistently ranks among the top counties in Texas for crashes. In 2022, Dallas County reported 54,919 motor vehicle crashes, accounting for nearly 1 in 10 crashes statewide.
Despite the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reporting a decline in the number of crashes to 46,257 in 2024, the county continues to contribute disproportionately to the state’s crash totals. These Dallas car accident statistics underscore the importance of drivers being vigilant in a metro area where traffic volume, speed, and roadway design all contribute to an increased risk.
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Crash Severity in Dallas and Texas
Car accidents in Dallas range from minor fender benders to catastrophic wrecks. The severity of crashes often mirrors statewide patterns.
Dallas-Specific Data:
- 210 fatal crashes in 2024, reinforcing the city’s dangerous reputation.
Texas-Wide Crash Data (2024, per TxDOT):
- 4,150 total traffic deaths, a 3.29% decrease from 2023
- Fatality rate: 1.35 deaths per 100M vehicle miles traveled (down 5.25%)
- 14,905 serious injury crashes, with 18,218 people seriously injured
- 251,977 people were injured overall
- 768 pedestrian deaths and 78 cyclist deaths
- 1,053 DUI-related deaths (25.37% of all fatalities)
- 380 distracted driving deaths, down 5.71% from 2023
- Deadliest month: October, with 391 fatalities
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Dallas
Behind the numbers are human behaviors that drive most accidents in Dallas. According to a local analysis of TxDOT data, speeding is the number one contributing factor in the city’s deadliest wrecks.
Other top causes include:
- Speeding: The most common factor, speeding, reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
- Failure to yield right of way: Frequently linked to high-speed intersections and multi-lane roads.
- Running red lights or stop signs: A major contributor to T-bone and intersection crashes.
- Tailgating: Following too closely leaves no room to avoid collisions.
- Distracted driving: Texting, GPS use, and other driver distractions remain persistent threats.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug impairment play a role in particularly severe wrecks.
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When and Where Crashes Occur Most in Dallas
Some Dallas intersections and time windows are more dangerous than others. Knowing where and when crashes occur most frequently allows Dallas drivers to plan safer routes and avoid high-risk windows.
High-Crash Locations
- I-635 & Skillman Street
- I-635 & Midway Road
- I-30 & Loop 12
- Northwest Highway & Walton Walker Blvd
- Buckner Blvd & Military Parkway
High-Crash Times
- Weekday rush hours (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.): Commuter congestion creates prime conditions for wrecks.
- Weekend late nights (9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.): Impaired and fatigued driving is more common.
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Dallas vs. Texas and U.S. Trends
Although Dallas recorded 210 fatal crashes in 2024, early 2025 data shows improvement, with about 35 fewer deaths in the first months compared to the same period in 2024.
On a national scale, the U.S. recorded 39,345 traffic fatalities in 2024, a 3.8% decrease from 2023 and the lowest total since before the pandemic.
Comparison Snapshot
| Category | Dallas (2024) | Texas (2024) | United States (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fatal Crashes | 210 | 4,150 deaths | 39,345 deaths |
| Fatality Trend | Flat | ↓ 3.29% | ↓ 3.8% |
| Early 2025 Trend | ↓ (35 fewer deaths) | Pending | Declining |
Dallas mirrors national declines, although its per-capita risk remains higher than that of many U.S. metros due to population density, road design, and driver behavior.
Why These Numbers Matter for Dallas Drivers
Dallas car accident statistics aren’t just for researchers or policymakers — they directly affect every driver and pedestrian who shares our roads. Compared to other major Texas metros, Dallas drivers face higher crash risks per capita, especially in high-speed corridors like I-635 and I-30.
Statewide data also shows how DUI and distracted driving remain persistent dangers. In 2024, alcohol-related crashes made up more than 25% of Texas traffic fatalities, while distracted driving claimed 380 lives. For Dallas drivers, these risks are magnified on crowded city streets, late-night routes, and major highway interchanges.
Recognizing these patterns can help reduce the number of collisions by encouraging safer choices — such as slowing down, avoiding distractions, and planning trips around high-risk times. Awareness is also key to understanding your rights if you’re ever involved in a serious car accident in Dallas. An experienced local Dallas law firm can help ensure your claim is handled properly.
Key Takeaways for Dallas Drivers
Dallas accident numbers remain among the highest in Texas, but there are some encouraging signs:
- Fatalities are trending downward in early 2025 compared to 2024.
- Speeding and impaired driving remain the top causes of deadly crashes.
- Dangerous intersections and peak hours should be avoided when possible.
- Statewide injury and fatality numbers prove that urban drivers face the greatest risks.
- Understanding Dallas car accident statistics can empower drivers to behave safer — and to seek the right legal help if needed.
Protecting Your Rights With Legal Help
Knowing the numbers is only part of the equation. You also need to understand what to do after a car accident to protect your health and your rights.
At AK Law Firm, we use accident data and crash reports to build stronger personal injury claims. Our Dallas personal injury attorneys interpret TxDOT records, establish negligence, and hold at-fault drivers accountable for their actions. Whether you need guidance on the statute of limitations or Texas’s modified comparative negligence laws, our proven car accident lawyers are here to fight for maximum compensation.
Dallas remains one of the most dangerous cities for driving in Texas. If you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck, legal support can make the difference between a denied claim and the settlement you deserve.
Contact AK Law Firm today for a free consultation, and we will protect your rights after an accident.
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