A study by Truckinginfo.net has placed Harris County as one of the most hazardous locations in the United States for drivers during the Thanksgiving holiday season. The report, which utilizes data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and U.S. Census Bureau, provides a concerning overview of traffic fatalities in this period.
Harris County’s Alarming Traffic Fatality Statistics
From 2001 to 2021, Harris County recorded 127 traffic fatalities during Thanksgiving, ranking it third nationwide in driving deaths for this holiday. Los Angeles County, California, leads the country with 276 fatalities, followed by Maricopa County, Arizona, with 163.
Texas Counties’ High Risk During Thanksgiving
Harris County is not alone in this grim statistic within Texas. Dallas County ranks as the eighth most dangerous county, with 89 driving deaths during Thanksgiving holidays in the same period. Nearby Tarrant County is 14th in the U.S., with 55 fatalities. Overall, Texas reports nearly 2.5 driving fatalities per million people during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Notable High-Risk Roadways in Harris County
Two specific roadways in Harris County have been identified as particularly perilous. I-45 recorded 9 driving deaths from 2001 to 2021, while I-610 had 8 fatalities in the same timeframe. These statistics are particularly significant as the next phase of a controversial $9 billion I-45 rebuild is scheduled for 2024.
Conclusion
The study’s findings underscore the need for increased safety measures and driver awareness, especially during high-traffic holiday seasons like Thanksgiving. The high number of fatalities in Texas and Harris County, in particular, call for a reevaluation of road safety protocols and infrastructure improvements. As the holiday season approaches, drivers in these areas are advised to exercise heightened caution and vigilance on the roads.