The Dangers of Interstate 20

November 10, 2022

According to statistics provided by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), Interstate 20 ranks as the fourth most dangerous interstate in the United States for commercial vehicle drivers. The information, which is maintained by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) was based on all fatal accidents reported between 2011 and 2015 in rain or snow.

During this four-year period, the interstate had a frequency of 4.7 fatalities for every 100 miles during rain and snow. In terms of fatal accidents during these weather conditions, Interstate 20 ranks third in the total number of deaths.

In 2021, a second study surrounding the interstate across major cities was conducted that determined the fatality rate increased to 13.52 fatal accidents per every 100 miles. This positioned the interstate highway as the second most dangerous highway in the country.

Why Do So Many Accidents Take Place on Interstate 20?

Given the high speeds of the interstate and how dense the traffic patterns are around the metropolitan areas, it is no surprise that this roadway sees such a high number of serious accidents.

Although accidents can take place for a variety of reasons, there are several factors that seem to be common in the majority of these accidents. These include:

Speeding: The speed limit on Interstate 20 in eastern Texas is 75-miles per hour. There is also a stretch of the interstate highway that allows traffic speeds of up to 80-miles per hour. Studies have found that drivers failing to control their vehicles due to excessive speeds were the cause of nearly one-third of all crashes. When high-speed vehicles approach congested areas or bad weather on the highway, it can be challenging for them to slow down in order to avoid collisions.
Distracted Driving: Anytime a motorist takes their attention off the road ahead, they pose a danger to themselves and others sharing the road. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in life-threatening crashes. We see many accidents take place on the interstate due to drivers who are looking at their cell phones, changing the radios, reaching for food, or turning to other passengers in the vehicle. In just a few seconds, a vehicle traveling at the maximum speed limit can pass more than 100-yards of the roadway. Being distracted at any time can have devastating consequences.
Drunk Drivers: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol are a leading cause of accidents on Interstate 20. Reports provided by the Texas Department of Transportation show that one person dies in an alcohol-related incident nearly every nine hours and six minutes in the Lone Star State. When intoxicated drivers enter Interstate 20, they place the lives of others at risk. We see far too many drivers enter the wrong way onto the interstate highway while under the influence of alcohol. As a result, they crash head-on into other vehicles. In many instances, these crashes occur at highway speeds, increasing the chances of fatal injuries.
Drowsy Drivers: Given the fact that Interstate 20 is one of the most commonly traveled roads for truckers in Texas, it is no surprise that driving drowsy is one of the leading causes of crashes. Driving while sleepy or drowsy can pose some of the same dangers as driving while impaired. Falling asleep behind the wheel can result in the loss of control of the vehicle. Drivers who doze off for a few seconds can cause a crash instantly. We see many of these accidents occur late in the evening and early in the morning. Drivers who are late commuters, shift workers, late-night travelers, or long-haul truck drivers are among the most commonly involved drivers in these crashes.
Inclement Weather: Weather can change in an instance. Drivers do have an obligation to slow down for slick roads or at least reduce their speeds while traveling in areas with limited visibility. However, not everyone uses caution during adverse weather conditions. As a result, we see many crashes occur during rain, icy conditions, snow, fog, and even dust storms on this major highway.

We also see many accidents take place in work zones across the interstate. Construction zones present safety hazards that thousands of drivers must pass through every day.