Anyone who commutes in Dallas–Fort Worth knows traffic has gotten worse over the past few years. Whether it’s the morning crawl down I-35E, the afternoon standstill on LBJ Freeway, or unexpected gridlock on roads that used to flow smoothly, the frustration is real.
Recent research confirms what DFW drivers have been experiencing. Traffic congestion has reached record levels, and it’s happening at times you might not expect. More concerning than the lost time is what this means for accident risk. When roads are busier and traffic patterns become unpredictable, the likelihood of serious crashes increases.
What the Numbers are Saying
North Texas drivers lost an average of 69 hours sitting in traffic during 2024, according to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s latest Urban Mobility Report. That’s nearly nine full workdays spent going nowhere. The DFW average exceeds the national figure of 63 hours, which itself represents the highest congestion level ever measured in the United States.
Dallas-Fort Worth has 41 of the state’s 100 most congested roadways. Houston took the top two spots for worst traffic in Texas, but Dallas’ Woodall Rogers Freeway ranked third. If you regularly drive through downtown Dallas, along the Central Expressway corridor, or anywhere near the I-635 and I-35E interchange, you’re navigating some of the most gridlocked roads in the state.
When Congestion Becomes Dangerous
The connection between heavy traffic and accidents is straightforward. More vehicles in closer proximity create more opportunities for crashes. However, another factor that makes the situation riskier is that traffic delays are no longer confined to traditional rush hours.
Researchers found that congestion now appears midday, midweek, and on weekends. Traffic is scattered throughout the day and week due to hybrid work schedules, increased online shopping, and changing daily routines. This unpredictability means drivers may face heavy congestion when they least expect it.
Several factors make congested traffic particularly dangerous:
- Distracted driving: Slow-moving traffic tempts drivers to check phones, reply to texts, or scroll through social media. Those few seconds of distraction become critical when traffic suddenly stops, or another driver makes an unexpected move.
- Aggressive driving: Long delays frustrate drivers. Some respond by tailgating, weaving between lanes, or making risky maneuvers to gain a few car lengths. These actions dramatically increase the likelihood of crashes.
- Chain reaction collisions: Stop-and-go traffic creates situations where one driver’s delayed reaction triggers accidents involving multiple vehicles. These pileups often result in serious injuries.
- Driver fatigue: Spending over an hour stuck in traffic each way drains your energy and attention. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment, effects similar to driving while impaired.
Commercial Trucks Add to the Problem
The congestion issue goes beyond cars and SUVs. Commercial truck traffic has increased 19 percent since 2019, nearly double the 10 percent growth rate for all vehicles. The surge in delivery services and online shopping means more large trucks competing for space on already busy roads.
Accidents involving commercial trucks typically cause more severe injuries than collisions between passenger vehicles. The size and weight difference means occupants of smaller cars face a greater risk of catastrophic harm. When truck drivers feel pressure to meet tight delivery schedules while navigating heavy traffic, dangerous situations become more common.
What to Do After a Traffic Accident
If you’re injured in an accident on a congested DFW road, taking the right steps protects both your health and legal rights. Be sure to get immediate medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor. Some serious conditions don’t show symptoms right away. Try to document the accident scene with photos and witness information. Report the crash to the police to create an official record. Avoid discussing fault at the scene or giving recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting a personal injury attorney.
Under Texas law, injury victims can seek compensation when another driver’s negligence causes harm. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50 percent at fault.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts after congested traffic accidents, sometimes arguing that you contributed to the crash. Having experienced legal representation helps ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Get Help from the Experienced North Texas Personal Injury Attorneys at Chandler Ross
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, truck accident, or any other type of crash, the personal injury attorneys at Chandler Ross can help you get the compensation you deserve. We have over 40 years of experience representing clients across North Texas in personal injury cases.
Contact us today at (940) 800-2500 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case and explain your options. In most cases, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
