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Every day, drivers across Texas risk becoming part of the state’s alarming crash statistics. With sprawling cities, congested highways, and rapid population growth, Texas has become one of the most dangerous places to drive in the U.S.
In this guide, we break down the Texas cities with the worst drivers—based on crash data, driving behavior, and public safety concerns—so you can stay informed and take precautions behind the wheel.
If you’ve been injured on the road, contact the Texas car accident lawyers at AK Law Firm for a free case review.
Top Texas Cities With The Worst Drivers
Here are the top cities in Texas with the worst drivers and what causes so many accidents.
Houston
Houston consistently ranks as a city with the worst drivers in Texas. According to TxDOT data, Houston led the state in total crashes, reporting more than 66,000 collisions in 2023 alone. The city’s expansive freeway system, including I-10, I-45, and Beltway 8, is notorious for congestion, aggressive drivers, and high-speed accidents.
Hotspots for Houston crashes include:
- I-45 near downtown Houston
- West Loop near Bellaire
- Highway 6 intersections in West Houston
Houston also ranks poorly for speeding, distracted driving, and DUI-related crashes. The city’s size and constant construction zones only increase risk for both commuters and commercial drivers.
Source: TxDOT
Were you injured in a car accident in Houston? Reach out to a Houston car accident lawyer today and protect your rights.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
Dallas
Dallas follows closely behind Houston with over 35,000 crashes reported in 2023. The city’s layout includes complex interchanges like the LBJ Freeway (I-635) and Interstate 35, both known for multi-vehicle pileups and heavy congestion.
According to a recent Forbes study, Dallas also ranks among the worst U.S. cities for drunk driving, with 6.25 fatal accidents involving a drunk driver per 100,000 city residents.
Accident-prone zones in Dallas:
- I-35E near Downtown
- Highway 75 near Mockingbird Lane
- LBJ Freeway westbound near Coit Road
The city’s fast-paced commuter culture, reliance on mobile devices, and aging infrastructure are major contributors to its dangerous driving conditions.
Source: TxDOT Crash Records
Were you injured in a car accident in Dallas? Reach out to a Dallas car accident lawyer today and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer
San Antonio
San Antonio experienced over 42,000 crashes in 2023, with an alarmingly high percentage tied to DUI-related incidents and red-light violations. As one of the oldest and fastest-growing cities in Texas, its infrastructure often struggles to accommodate modern traffic volumes.
High-risk areas of San Antonio include:
- Loop 410 near San Pedro Avenue
- I-35 North Corridor
- Broadway at Hildebrand
The city’s historic roadways, combined with rising commuter traffic, create an environment where distracted and impaired driving frequently lead to serious injuries. San Antonio also ranks near the top for intersection crashes, many involving pedestrians or cyclists.
Source: TxDOT
Austin
Austin, Texas’s booming capital, has seen a surge in both population and traffic fatalities. In 2023, over 38,000 crashes were reported, many involving pedestrians, cyclists, or e-scooter riders, highlighting a growing concern for non-motorist safety.
Austin’s trouble zones include:
- I-35 through downtown Austin
- Lamar Boulevard intersections
- Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor
Rapid urban development has outpaced infrastructure upgrades, leading to more aggressive lane changing, speeding, and failure to yield incidents.
Source: TxDOT
Fort Worth
Fort Worth may be smaller than Dallas or Houston, but it holds its own when it comes to crash statistics. With more than 15,000 crashes in 2023, this city’s blend of urban congestion and rural highways makes it a surprising hotspot for speeding and distracted driving. In fact, it ranks 11th nationwide among cities with highest number of fatal car accidents involving distracted drivers.
Problematic areas in Ft. Worth include:
- I-30 near downtown Fort Worth
- Loop 820 at the I-35W junction
- Highway 287 in the northern outskirts
Sources: Forbes Advisor | TxDOT
How Texas Drivers Compare to Other States
Texas consistently ranks high among states with the highest number of fatal crashes. With more than 4,150 traffic-related deaths reported in 2024, the Lone Star State consistently performs worse than the national average across multiple safety metrics.
National Crash Comparisons:
- Texas averages 1.54 deaths per 100 million miles driven (U.S. avg = 1.11)
- Texas leads in DUI-related fatalities
- Top 5 nationally for motorcycle and pedestrian deaths
The state’s sprawling geography, limited public transit, and love for high-speed travel compound these risks. When compared to similarly populated states like California or Florida, Texas sees a higher rate of rural crashes, especially involving distracted drivers and large commercial truck accidents.
Source: TxDOT
Why Texas Has So Many Bad Drivers
There’s no single reason why Texas is home to three of the top 15 cities with the worst drivers in the country—it’s a combination of environmental, cultural, and infrastructural challenges that all increase crash risk.
Urban Sprawl & Population Growth
Texas cities are expanding fast, but infrastructure hasn’t kept up. Roads designed for lighter traffic now handle massive commuter and freight loads. This congestion leads to more:
- Merging and lane-weaving accidents
- Road rage and aggressive behavior
- Rear-end collisions in high-density areas
Cities like Austin and San Antonio are especially affected by rapid development without corresponding traffic control updates.
Distracted Driving
Texting, scrolling, and GPS app use are all major issues. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was a factor in 3,275 deaths nationwide in 2023, and Texas contributed significantly to this figure. In 2024, approximately one in five crashes in Texas was caused by distracted driving.
Despite state laws restricting handheld use in school zones and cities with hands-free ordinances, enforcement remains inconsistent.
Sources: NHTSA, Distracted Driving | TxDOT, Distracted Driving
Drunk Driving & DUIs
Texas consistently ranks in the top five for alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. Many DUI crashes happen late at night or early morning and are especially deadly in:
- Suburban corridors (e.g., Beltway 8 in Houston)
- Near nightlife districts (e.g., Sixth Street in Austin)
Source: TxDOT
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speed limits of 70–85 mph on open highways invite excessive speeding. Combine that with low enforcement and heavy pickup truck traffic, and you get:
- High-severity crashes
- Rollover incidents
- Increased fatality risk for passengers and pedestrians
Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Texas is a freight hub. Heavy commercial traffic on I-10, I-20, and I-35 contributes to:
- Longer stopping distances
- Wider turns and blind spots
- Multi-vehicle pileups in construction zones
Even one distracted trucker can cause catastrophic damage—especially on rural stretches where emergency response may be delayed.
What To Do If You’re In a Car Crash
If you’re in a car accident in Texas, the moments that follow are critical. Here’s what to do:
- Check for injuries and move to a safe location, if possible.
- Call 911 and request police and medical assistance.
- Exchange information with other drivers and take photos of the scene.
- File a crash report, especially if injuries, deaths, or significant damage occurred.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine—some injuries aren’t immediately noticeable.
- Contact a lawyer before speaking with insurers or accepting any settlement.
A personal injury lawyer in Houston or Dallas can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Need legal help after a crash?
Schedule a free consultation with a Texas car accident attorney today.
How a Car Accident Lawyer in Texas Can Help
Despite Texas’s well-intentioned traffic safety campaigns, accidents happen.
After a serious crash, navigating insurance, medical bills, settlement offers, and legal paperwork can feel overwhelming. AK Law Firm provides essential support during this time—especially when the other driver is uninsured, distracted, or driving under the influence.
Here’s how legal help makes a difference:
- Investigating Liability: Attorneys gather crash reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and expert testimony to build your case.
- Dealing With Insurance Companies: Insurers are known for lowball offers. A lawyer negotiates aggressively on your behalf.
- Maximizing Compensation: Victims can seek damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and even wrongful death in fatal crash cases.
Whether you were injured in a rideshare accident in Houston or a commercial truck accident in Dallas, having legal representation can dramatically improve your outcome.
Why Choose AK Law Firm
With deep experience handling personal injury cases in cities with the worst drivers in Texas, AK Law Firm stands out for its:
- Client-First Approach: Every case gets individualized attention—no one-size-fits-all representation.
- Local Insight: We understand Texas roads, traffic laws, and court procedures.
- Results-Driven Strategy: Our firm has recovered millions for crash victims across Houston, Dallas, and beyond.
We handle the paperwork. You focus on recovery.
Contact our team today for a free case evaluation.
FAQ
What city has the worst drivers in Texas?
Houston leads the state in both total crashes and fatalities. Its congested freeways, frequent road construction, and aggressive driving culture make it the state’s most dangerous city to drive in.
Why are Texas drivers so bad?
A combination of urban sprawl, high-speed highways, distracted driving, and frequent drunk driving contributes to unsafe driving conditions across Texas.
Is Dallas worse than Houston for car accidents?
While Houston has a high number of accidents—especially at major interchanges—Dallas’s road design typically leads to more crash-related fatalities.
Can I sue after a car crash in Texas?
Yes. If another driver caused your injuries through negligence, you may be eligible to sue for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. A personal injury attorney can help assess your claim.
How do I choose the best car accident lawyer in Texas?
Look for experience, client reviews, and a history of results. A local firm like AK Law Firm offers personalized support, experienced attorneys, and a deep understanding of Texas law.
