While driving in Texas, there's one stretch of road you might want to be extra cautious on - Interstate 45, especially through Houston. Known to locals and travelers alike, this highway has earned a reputation as the deadliest in the state.

An article from the law office of Herrman and Herrman confirms the details. Not only is this stretch of highway the most deadly in Texas but it also ranks second in the nation. So, what makes I-45 so dangerous? Let’s shine a spotlight on the facts.

LOOK: THIS STRETCH OF HIGHWAY IS THE MOST DEADLY IN TEXAS

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First off, just the sheer traffic on this highway is staggering. As a major artery through one of America's largest cities, it sees its share of commuters, trucks, and travelers all sharing the road simultaneously. This high amount of traffic leads to more accidents. Rush hour can be particularly bad when everyone is in a hurry to get to work or home.

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Speed plays a big role too. Even though limits are posted, you'll notice drivers zipping through well over the speed limit. Combine high speeds with heavy traffic, and you've got a recipe for disaster. Even if you're a cautious driver you can find yourself in tricky situations with sudden stops and swerves.

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Another factor that plays a huge part is the condition and design of the highway. Some parts of I-45 are prone to flooding during heavy rains which adds risk. Also, ongoing construction projects always create confusing detours and sudden lane merges. This presents a big challenge if you're not familiar with the route.

What can you do to stay safe on I-45? Just knowing of these risks is a good start. Always maintain a safe following distance, obey those speed limits, and stay alert for sudden changes in traffic.

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So next time you're gearing up to drive on I-45, remember to take it slow and stay cautious. Be safe on those Texas roadways.

LESSER KNOWN TEXAS TRAFFIC LAWS

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