Interstate 35 is a major freight transportation corridor linking the central part of the U.S. to Mexico. The full length of I-35 runs almost 1,600 miles from Laredo, Texas, at the American-Mexican border, north through Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa to the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. In Texas, I-35 stretches almost 410 miles through eight major cities including Laredo, San Antonio, Austin, Temple, Waco, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton.
Commercial trucks of all sizes travel every day along I-35. They carry freight to and from the port in Laredo, Texas, with stops at airports, manufacturing centers, farms, warehouses, distribution centers, and more.
All this traffic makes I-35 one of the most dangerous roads for truck accidents in the state.
Why Is I-35 So Dangerous?
The length of I-35, heavy congestion, and the different types of vehicles traveling on the interstate all contribute to I-35 being a dangerous road.
I-35 Traffic Statistics
In one recent year, a study conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) showed that I-35:
- Experienced over 200,000 vehicles a day on some sections
- Had 13 out of the 100 most congested roadway segments, with downtown Austin listed as the 16th most congested location for freight in the country
- Accounted for 18% of total Texas interstate lane miles, or almost 3,000 lane miles
- Accounted for 24% of all vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) on Texas interstates, more than any other Texas interstate
- Was the artery for over 2 million trucks entering Laredo, with trucks accounting for approximately 17% of the average daily volume
The same study forecasted overall traffic volume on the Texas I-35 corridor to increase by 46 percent by 2040. As a result, the study recommended that over 40 projects be implemented to reduce congestion, travel delays, and accidents.
Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents on I-35
Many factors may contribute to truck accidents. In general, the top factors leading to crashes include:
- Traffic flow interruption (such as congestion or a previous crash)
- Prescription and over-the-counter drug use
- Speeding or traveling too fast for conditions
- Unfamiliarity with roadway
- Roadway problems
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Mechanical issues such as brake failure, slick tries, unsecured cargo, etc.
No matter the reason for the truck accident, severe and life-altering injuries are common.
Contact Our New Braunfels Truck Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a truck accident on I-35 or anywhere else in South Central Texas, contact the personal injury attorneys at Burch Law Firm. Our attorneys have the experience and skills to handle complex truck accident claims. We will investigate a truck accident to determine who was liable. Then we will fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Call us today to speak to one of our truck accident attorneys. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.
