Dallas consistently ranks among the deadliest cities in the United States for drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Annual Traffic Safety Facts, Dallas holds the second-highest traffic fatality rate among the 15 most populous U.S. cities based on data spanning 2015 to 2019. This troubling statistic underscores a persistent public safety crisis rooted in hazardous road design, high-speed corridors, and a car-dependent culture that often prioritizes convenience over caution. 

 

Below, we break down the most dangerous intersections, roads, and crash hotspots in the city, along with when and why these incidents are happening, so you can stay vigilant on the road.   

 

Key Takeaways from 2024 Crash Data 

• Most Dangerous Intersection in Dallas: I-635 & Skillman Street, with an average of 256 crashes per year. 
• Fatality Hotspots: Buckner Boulevard corridors and Northwest Highway segments reported the highest numbers of fatal and serious injury crashes. 
• Peak Crash Times: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during weekday rush hours, and late nights (9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.) on Fridays and Saturdays. 
• Top Contributing Factors: Includes speeding, distracted driving (particularly phone use), driving under the influence, and aggressive driving. 

 

Most Dangerous Intersections in Dallas 

Dallas, like many other major cities, is a heavy commuter city. Every morning and evening, thousands of individuals travel in and out of the city, turning the major highways that serve as its arteries into some of the most hazardous places to be. These routes are often clogged with heavy congestion, unpredictable merging, high-speed traffic, and complex interchanges that leave little room for error. Based on 2024 crash frequency data, these are the most dangerous highway segments in Dallas: 

   

• I‑635 (LBJ) & Skillman Street- averages 256 crashes a year 
• I‑635 & Midway Road – averages 183 crashes a year 
• I‑30 & TX‑12 Loop – averages 152 crashes a year 
• Belt Line Road & Dallas Parkway – averages 133 crashes a year 
• Buckner & Military Parkway – averages 88 crashes a year 
• Northwest Hwy & Walton Walker Blvd – averages 105crashes a year 

 

Most Dangerous Intersections in Dallas 

One reason intersections in big cities like Dallas are hazardous is that infrastructure fails to keep pace with human behavior and commercial demand. For instance, at major crossroads like I-635 and Skillman, the layout is often outdated, as it was initially built for far less volume but is now overwhelmed by rideshare traffic, delivery trucks making illegal stops, and drivers treating yellow lights as if they were green ones.   

 

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has released the four most dangerous intersections in Dallas, which include: 

1. Interstate 635 and Skillman Street in Dallas 
2. Henderson Street and Weatherford Street in Fort Worth 
3. South Sherman Street and Spring Valley Road in Richardson 
4. U.S. 75 and Interstate 635 in Dallas 

 

Locations with the Most Fatal Crashes 

Dallas saw more than 16,000 total crashes in 2024, and of those, more than 115 were fatal. According to the Vision Zero HIN database, the locations where the most fatal crashes occurred are: 

 

1. Buckner Boulevard: From Lake June Road to Great Trinity Forest Way - 24 vehicle KSI, 4 pedestrian KSI, 1 bicycle KSI
2. Northwest Highway: From N. Walton Walker Boulevard to Harry Hines Boulevard - 21 vehicle KSI, 1 bicycle KSI) 
3.  Buckner Boulevard: From Interstate 30 to Forney Road - 20 vehicle KSI, 1 pedestrian KSI, 1 bicycle KSI 
4. Storey Road: From Irving City Limit to Northwest Highway - 18 vehicle KSI, 1 pedestrian KSI, 1 bicycle KSI) 
5. Buckner Boulevard: From Lake June Road to Bruton Road - 18 vehicle KSI, 3 pedestrian KSI) 
6.  Buckner Boulevard: From Scyene Road to Forney Road - 18 vehicle KSI, 3 pedestrian KSI) 
7. Northwest Highway: From Harry Hines Boulevard to Timberline Drive - 17 vehicle KSI, 6 pedestrian KSI, 1 bicycle KSI
8. Buckner Boulevard: From Bruton Road to Scyene Road - 17 vehicle KSI, 4 pedestrian KSI, 2 bicycle KSI
9. Second Avenue: From Elsie Faye Heggins Street to U.S. Highway 175 - 16 vehicle KSI, 4 pedestrian KSI
10. Corinth Street: From E. 8th Street to Stella Avenue - 16 pedestrian KSI, 1 vehicle KSI

Why These Areas Are So Dangerous 

Several recurring factors contribute to the severity and frequency of collisions, including high-speed, high-volume highways such as I-635 and US-75; aggressive and distracted driving habits; poorly designed intersections with limited sight distance; and infrastructure that prioritizes vehicle flow over pedestrian safety. 

 

Additionally, many roads lack adequate lighting, clear signage, or protective barriers. Dallas’s Vision Zero initiative is working to reduce these risks through better road design, enforcement strategies, and public safety campaigns focused on high-crash corridors. 

 

When Crashes Happen Most Often 

According to the TxDOT 2024 crash report, most crashes in Dallas occur between rush hours after work, particularly between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. This pattern reflects the impact of heavy commuter traffic, reduced daylight (depending on the season), and driver fatigue, all of which contribute to an increase in both minor and serious collisions during this timeframe. 

   

Crashes are also more frequent and severe on Fridays and Saturdays, particularly during late-night hours between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., with hotspots concentrated in areas such as Knox-Henderson, Deep Ellum, and Uptown. Many of these nighttime weekend crashes involve impaired or distracted driving and are more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities. 

   

The deadliest weekends of the year in Dallas tend to coincide with major holidays, including the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day, when higher volumes of traffic and increased alcohol consumption significantly raise the risk of fatal accidents. 

 

Common Causes of Dallas Crashes 

Based on recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), local law enforcement, and regional traffic safety studies, the most common causes of car crashes in Dallas include: 

   

1. Speeding 

Speeding contributes to 34% of all crashes in Texas and nearly 30% of fatal crashes in Dallas (2023 data). Excessive speed reduces driver reaction time and significantly increases the severity of collisions, particularly on major highways like I-35E, I-635, and U.S. 75. 

   

2. Distracted Driving 

Primarily caused by phone use, including texting, calls, or apps, distracted driving led to 403 deaths statewide in 2023. Nearly 40% of Dallas drivers admit to using their phones while driving, making this a serious issue on heavily congested roads, such as the Woodall Rodgers Freeway and North Central Expressway. 

   

3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 

Alcohol-related crashes caused 868 incidents in Dallas in 2021 and 1,090 fatalities statewide in 2023. DUI-related collisions are prevalent at night and on weekends, particularly on arterial roads like Buckner Boulevard and in entertainment districts near Downtown Dallas. 

   

5. Aggressive Driving 

Behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and running red lights contribute significantly to accidents, particularly on high-traffic corridors like I-30 and Loop 12. In 2022, nearly 40% of multi-vehicle crashes on these roads resulted in injuries or fatalities. 

   

6. Road and Weather Conditions 

Construction zones, poor road design, and inadequate signage are contributing factors on roads like I-635 and the Dallas North Tollway. During the city’s rainy seasons, wet road surfaces increase the risk of hydroplaning, which was cited in approximately 5% of Dallas crashes in 2022. 

   

7. Fatigue 

Drowsy or fatigued driving, although less frequent, remains a notable concern, especially on longer stretches of highway such as I-35E. Fatigue was a factor in 2% of all fatal crashes in Texas in 2023, with similar patterns observed in Dallas. 

 

Tips for Staying Safe on the Road 

Staying safe on Dallas roads requires more than just knowing the rules. It means making conscious, wise choices every time you get behind the wheel. The "Be Safe. Drive Smart." Campaign, a year-round public education initiative by TxDOT, emphasizes this by encouraging drivers to recognize and change unsafe habits. Whether you’re navigating busy urban streets, work zones, or high-speed corridors like the I-35, your behavior can make the difference between a routine drive and a serious crash. 

   

To protect yourself and others, follow these essential safety tips: always buckle up, day or night, and be courteous to fellow drivers. Stay entirely focused by putting your phone away and avoiding distractions. Adjust your speed to match road and weather conditions, and never run red lights or stop signs. Passing should only be done carefully and legally. Most importantly, never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that cause drowsiness. And remember, when you see flashing lights from law enforcement or emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside, slow down or move over to give them space. By driving smart and staying vigilant, you help make Dallas roads safer for everyone. 

 

Stay Smart on the Dallas Roads 

Based on these patterns and data, we can conclude that Dallas’s most dangerous intersections and roadways are a result of high traffic volumes, excessive speeds, and common risky driving behaviors, such as speeding and distracted driving. Understanding peak crash times and contributing factors can help drivers stay vigilant and make safer choices while driving.   

 

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident in Dallas, it’s important to act quickly. Contact our team immediately for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.