Do Most Accidents Occur On Highways Or Local Roads In El Paso?

El Paso is one of Texas’s largest cities, with a vast network of highways and local roads connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and key transit points. With its growing population and heavy commuter traffic, car accidents are an unfortunate reality in the city. But where do most accidents occur—on highways or local roads? Understanding the most dangerous locations for crashes can help drivers take extra precautions and reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.

This article explores car accident trends in El Paso, comparing highway vs. local road accidents, and discussing key risk factors, legal considerations, and safety tips for drivers.

Car Accident Trends in El Paso

El Paso sees thousands of traffic accidents each year, with a mix of minor collisions and serious crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) tracks accident data in the city to analyze the most common crash locations and contributing factors.

In 2021, there were over 13,700 car accidents in El Paso. Of these, 3,166 crashes caused injuries or fatalities. Rear-end collisions were the most common, accounting for nearly 4,900 crashes. 794 accidents involved commercial trucks, which often result in more severe injuries.

But how do highways and local roads compare? Are high-speed freeway accidents more dangerous than stop-and-go crashes at intersections? Let’s take a closer look.

Highway Accidents in El Paso: Causes & Risks

Highways are designed for fast, continuous travel, but they also present unique risks for drivers. El Paso’s busiest highways, such as Interstate 10 (I-10), U.S. Highway 54, and Loop 375, are known for heavy traffic, high speeds, and frequent crashes.

Most Dangerous Highways in El Paso

El Paso’s highways are crucial for transportation, but they also contribute to some of the city’s worst traffic accidents:

• Interstate 10 (I-10): The busiest highway in El Paso, I-10 is known for heavy congestion, frequent merging, and a high number of rear-end crashes.
• U.S. Highway 54 (Patriot Freeway): A common route for commercial vehicles, U.S. 54 experiences a high volume of truck-related accidents.
• Loop 375 (Transmountain Road): A scenic but dangerous route with sharp curves and steep inclines, increasing the risk of rollovers.
• Montana Avenue (US 62/180): A heavily trafficked commuter road that also sees many pedestrian-related accidents.

Why Highways Are Prone to Accidents

Several factors make highway driving more dangerous than city streets:

• Higher speeds mean that accidents are more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Heavy truck traffic increases the risk of underride accidents and jackknifing incidents.
• Frequent lane changes at high speeds can lead to sudden collisions.
• Congestion during rush hour results in rear-end crashes and road rage incidents.
• Construction zones create dangerous bottlenecks, reducing visibility and safe maneuverability.

Most Common Highway Accidents

The types of accidents that frequently occur on El Paso’s highways include:

• Multi-vehicle pileups caused by high-speed chain reactions.
• Rollover accidents involving SUVs and trucks on steep inclines.
• Rear-end collisions due to sudden braking in heavy traffic.
• Truck accidents, including underride crashes and jackknife incidents.

While highway accidents are often more severe, they may not happen as frequently as crashes on local roads.

Local Road Accidents in El Paso: Causes & Risks

Local roads in El Paso experience more frequent crashes than highways due to stop-and-go traffic, intersections, and pedestrian activity. The majority of crashes in the city occur at intersections, where drivers must navigate stoplights, turns, and crosswalks.

Most Dangerous Streets & Intersections

Some of the most accident-prone locations in El Paso include:

• Mesa Street & Sunland Park Drive: A major shopping district with heavy traffic and frequent rear-end crashes.
• Zaragoza Road & Montwood Drive: One of the busiest intersections in the city, known for red-light running accidents.
• Dyer Street & US 54: High congestion and pedestrian crossings make this area dangerous for drivers and walkers alike.

Why Local Roads Are Prone to Accidents

City streets pose several unique risks for drivers:

• Intersections increase the likelihood of collisions, particularly T-bone (side-impact) crashes.
• More pedestrians and cyclists lead to accidents involving vulnerable road users.
• Distracted driving is more common in urban settings, with drivers texting or adjusting their GPS.
• Stop-and-go traffic increases the number of rear-end collisions.

Most Common Local Road Accidents

Some of the most frequently reported city street accidents in El Paso include:

• Intersection collisions from running red lights or failing to yield.
• T-bone crashes are caused by left-turn errors.
• Pedestrian accidents at crosswalks or bus stops.
• Rear-end crashes due to tailgating and sudden stops.

Which Is More Dangerous: Highways or Local Roads?

• Severity vs. Frequency: Highway accidents are typically more severe due to higher speeds. Local road crashes happen more frequently because of the number of intersections and pedestrians.
• Fatality Rates by Road Type: According to TxDOT, highways account for a larger percentage of fatal accidents, while local roads see more minor to moderate collisions.

What Should You Do After an Accident in El Paso?

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do after a crash.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Crash

• Check for injuries and call 911 for medical help.
• Report the accident to local authorities.
• Exchange information with the other driver.
• Take photos and gather witness statements.
• Contact a car accident lawyer before speaking to insurance companies.

Legal Options for Accident Victims

If you’ve been in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

A car accident attorney in El Paso can help you file a claim and negotiate with insurance companies.

Safety Tips to Prevent Accidents in El Paso

While accidents can happen anywhere, adopting safe driving habits can significantly reduce your risk. Follow these essential tips to stay safe on highways and local roads.

Highway Driving Safety Tips

• Keep a safe following distance at high speeds.
• Avoid distractions and stay alert.
• Use turn signals and check blind spots before changing lanes.
• Slow down in construction zones and during inclement weather.

Local Road Driving Safety Tips

• Always yield at intersections and watch for pedestrians.
• Limit distractions, especially at stoplights.
• Follow posted speed limits to prevent rear-end crashes.

Where Do Most Accidents Occur in El Paso?

While local roads see more frequent accidents, highway crashes are often more severe. Both environments pose risks, and safe driving habits are crucial for reducing the likelihood of a collision.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in El Paso, the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC can help. Call (915) 333-3333 today for a free consultation and learn how we can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...