A recent deadly crash on Interstate 45 in the Woodlands area has once again highlighted the dangers of this major Texas highway. Over the years, I-45 has consistently ranked among the most hazardous roads in the country.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), 97 fatal crashes occurred on I-45 in 2023, resulting in 105 deaths. The highway was previously named the deadliest road in the U.S. by car insurance company Budget Direct in 2021, with an average of 56.5 accidents per 100 miles.
Harris County, which includes Houston, sees more than 40% of all crashes in Texas, according to TXDOT data. Many drivers in the area have voiced concerns about reckless driving and the need for more caution on the road.
A recent crash near the Rayford exit involved a pickup truck and a van carrying seven people. Officials say the van had a flat tire and was moving slowly in the HOV lane when it was struck by the pickup truck. Three people in the van—two men and one woman—were killed, while four others, including a child, were hospitalized. The driver of the pickup truck was also taken to the hospital.
I-45 continues to be a high-risk roadway, with local residents urging drivers to stay alert and exercise caution to prevent further tragedies.
