Where Do Most Fatal Accidents Happen in Dallas?

Dallas Traffic Fatality Overview

The traffic fatality crisis in Dallas shows no signs of abating. The city’s death rate is approximately 27% higher than Houston and 22% higher than Fort Worth, despite these cities having similar urban layouts and challenges. Speed consistently emerges as the number one contributing factor in fatal crashes, followed by impaired driving and lane departures. These preventable factors make the high fatality rate all the more tragic.

Dangerous Highways and Expressways

Interstate 30 (I-30)

I-30 stands out as one of Dallas’s deadliest highways, with several particularly hazardous sections. The stretch of Central Expressway from LBJ Freeway to I-30 has become notorious for fatal accidents, while the section of I-45 from I-30 to Lamar recorded a staggering 56.5 fatalities per 100 miles in 2020. The interchange between I-30 and TX-Loop 12 has been the site of at least 14 fatal or serious injury accidents in recent years.

The high speeds combined with frequent merging and lane changes create dangerous conditions, particularly during rush hour when traffic patterns become unpredictable. Construction zones along I-30, which have been ongoing for several years, further complicate driving conditions by creating unfamiliar traffic patterns and narrow lanes.

Interstate 35E (I-35E)

The section of I-35E between Downtown and Dallas Love Field has earned the dubious distinction of being identified as the most deadly road in Texas. Contributing factors include high traffic volume, complex interchanges, and the mix of local and long-distance travelers unfamiliar with the road’s configuration.

Recent safety improvement initiatives along I-35E have included enhanced signage, improved lighting, and the addition of concrete barriers in certain high-risk areas. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen as traffic volumes continue to increase.

Interstate 635 (I-635)

The intersection of LBJ Freeway and Skillman has recorded 132 accidents resulting in 107 injuries, making it one of the most dangerous intersections in the city. The section of LBJ Freeway between Dallas North Tollway and Central Expressway also presents significant risks due to its complex interchanges and high traffic volume.

The ongoing 635 East Project aims to address some of these safety concerns through lane expansions, improved entrance and exit ramps, and continuous frontage roads. While these improvements offer hope for the future, the construction process itself has temporarily increased risks in some areas.

Loop 12

Loop 12 has earned the unfortunate title of Dallas’s deadliest roadway, with 21 fatal crashes recorded in 2024 alone. The TX-348/Northwest Highway exit from TX-Loop 12 has been particularly problematic, with 17 fatal or serious injury accidents in recent years.

Planned safety measures for Loop 12 include lower speed limits, improved lighting, and the addition of protected pedestrian crossings. These improvements can’t come soon enough for a roadway that has claimed so many lives.

Dangerous City Streets and Intersections

Great Trinity Forest Way

Great Trinity Forest Way, particularly the section from Jim Miller to U.S. 175, has been ranked as the most dangerous road by Dallas’s Vision Zero program. The stretch from S Central Expressway to Pemberton Hill has also seen numerous fatal accidents.
Contributing factors include high speeds, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and poor lighting. The road’s design encourages speeds well above the posted limits, while numerous businesses and residences along the corridor create conflict points where vehicles enter and exit.

Buckner Boulevard

Buckner Boulevard contains several high-risk sections, with the stretch from Lake June to Great Trinity Forest ranking as the second most dangerous road in Dallas. The sections from IH-30 to Forney and from Bruton Road to Scyene Road have also seen numerous fatal accidents.

Like many dangerous Dallas roads, Buckner Boulevard suffers from a combination of high speeds, inadequate pedestrian facilities, and numerous conflict points. The road’s straight, wide design encourages speeding, while pedestrians often must cross multiple lanes without adequate protection.

Dangerous Downtown Intersections

Downtown Dallas presents its own set of challenges, with several high-risk intersections. Griffin Street and Elm Street has recorded 20 crashes, while Elm Street and Griffin Boulevard has seen 14 fatal or injury accidents. The intersection of Canton Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard has been the site of 12 crashes.

These downtown intersections often involve complex traffic patterns, pedestrians, and delivery vehicles, creating multiple opportunities for conflicts. Limited visibility due to buildings and parked vehicles further compounds the risks.

Other High-Risk Intersections

Several other intersections throughout Dallas have proven particularly dangerous, including Belt Line Road and Midway Road, Preston Road and LBJ Freeway, and Buckner Boulevard and Interstate 30. The intersection of Camp Wisdom Road and Lancaster Road has recorded 14 crashes in recent years.

These intersections share common risk factors, including high traffic volume, complex turning movements, and inadequate infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

Urban vs. Highway Fatal Accidents

While highways account for a significant portion of Dallas’s fatal accidents, urban streets actually claim more lives overall. Highway accidents tend to be more severe due to higher speeds, but urban streets see a higher frequency of fatal crashes, particularly those involving pedestrians and cyclists.

The types of accidents also differ between these environments. Highway fatalities often result from high-speed rear-end collisions, lane departure crashes, and rollovers. In contrast, urban fatal accidents frequently involve pedestrians, intersection collisions, and left-turn crashes.

Vision Zero and Safety Initiatives

Dallas has implemented a Vision Zero Action Plan aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities through a combination of engineering, education, and enforcement strategies. The plan includes the identification of a High Injury Network (HIN) that pinpoints the most dangerous roads and intersections in the city.

Current safety initiatives include redesigning high-risk intersections, improving pedestrian infrastructure, and implementing traffic calming measures in residential areas. While these efforts represent important steps forward, the continuing high fatality rate suggests that more aggressive action is needed.

Conclusion

From side streets to highways, Dallas faces significant challenges in reducing traffic fatalities. In the most tragic cases, these crashes result in the loss of life—leaving families to navigate grief, financial burdens, and legal uncertainty. In such moments, consulting a wrongful death attorney Dallas families can rely on becomes an essential step toward seeking justice and accountability. By understanding where and why these accidents occur, we can better target interventions and create safer roads for all users.

Whether you’re navigating downtown intersections or traveling on I-30, awareness of these high-risk locations can help you stay safe on Dallas roads. More importantly, this knowledge should fuel our collective determination to transform Dallas from one of America’s most dangerous cities for drivers into one of its safest.