Hidalgo County Roads Present Significant Risks to Drivers
HIDALGO COUNTY, TX – The roads of Hidalgo County, a bustling hub in the Rio Grande Valley, are among the most dangerous in Texas. Recent data reveals a staggering number of collisions, injuries, and fatalities, with thousands of car accidents occurring annually across the county’s major cities, including McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, and Mission.
In 2023, Hidalgo County saw a concerning rise in traffic accidents, with a total of 17,746 crashes reported. This represents an increase from the 17,327 accidents recorded in 2022. Tragically, these collisions resulted in 83 fatalities. Families facing such a loss often need guidance from a compassionate wrongful death attorney. The number of injuries also climbed to 10,160.
This alarming trend underscores a persistent safety crisis on local roadways, with major thoroughfares and city streets alike serving as hotspots for devastating accidents.
Major Cities Grapple with High Crash Volumes
The county’s most populous cities contribute significantly to the high accident numbers. In 2022, Pharr led the county with 3,192 crashes, followed closely by Edinburg with 2,919, McAllen with 2,908, and Mission with 2,002. The concentration of traffic in these urban centers creates a heightened risk for drivers.
A particularly grim 24-hour period in July of the previous year highlighted the severity of the issue, with three separate fatal accidents occurring in Hidalgo County, one involving a single vehicle and two being auto-pedestrian collisions.
Notoriously Dangerous Roads and Intersections
Certain highways and roads in Hidalgo County are consistently the sites of numerous accidents:
- Interstate 2 (I-2) / U.S. Highway 83: This major artery running through the Rio Grande Valley is a significant hotspot. In 2022 alone, 2,737 accidents occurred on this highway. Many of these collisions involve large commercial vehicles, requiring the expertise of a truck accident lawyer.
- Interstate 69C (I-69C): This auxiliary interstate, which passes through McAllen, Pharr, and Edinburg, accounted for 751 accidents in 2022.
- McAllen’s Treacherous Streets: The city of McAllen has several roads known for their high number of fatal accidents. These include FM 2220 (Ware Road), US 83 Business, Spur 115 (South 23rd Street), and SH 336. The intersection of US 83 Business and Bicentennial Boulevard is a known confusing and dangerous junction.
- State Highway 107: This 47-mile road starting in Mission and passing through multiple cities is another high-risk route.
Leading Causes of Accidents in the Region
An analysis of crashes in the Rio Grande Valley points to several recurring and preventable driver behaviors as the primary causes of collisions:
- Failure to Control Speed: This is a leading contributing factor in both Edinburg and Pharr.
- Driver Inattention: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or other activities that take a driver’s focus off the road are a major cause of accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol-related crashes remain a serious problem. If you were hit by an impaired driver, it’s crucial to understand your rights as a victim of a DUI accident.
- Failure to Yield and Unsafe Lane Changes: These common errors in judgment contribute significantly to the number of T-bone and sideswipe accidents.
Injured in a Hidalgo County Accident?
Local authorities and the Texas Department of Transportation continue to urge drivers to exercise extreme caution. However, if you or a loved one have been injured by a negligent driver, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone.
After an accident, the most important step is to protect your rights. Contact Chris Sanchez, The Relentless Lawyer, for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.