Top 10 Most Dangerous Counties in Texas for Driving

A new study revealed that between 2019 and 2023, drivers in Loving county of Texas faced the highest risk of fatal vehicle crashes.

The research conducted by DeHoyos Accident Attorneys analyzed fatal vehicle crash data from the Federal Crash Data Query Tool (CDAN) across all Texas counties from 2019 to 2023. The study measured Average Fatal Vehicle Crashes per 100,000 Residents, with higher numbers indicating a greater risk of fatal crashes on local roads.

Loving County ranks first with 3,377 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents, a staggering 6,393% higher than the Texas statewide average of 52 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents. Among its population of 77, Loving County recorded an annual average of 2.6 fatal vehicle crashes between 2019 and 2023. The highest number of fatal crashes occurred in 2022, with four fatalities, while the lowest occurred in 2019, 2020, and 2021, with two fatalities each year.

Kenedy County ranks second with 443 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents, 751% higher than the Texas statewide average of 52 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents. Among its population of 361, the county recorded an annual average of 1.6 fatal vehicle crashes between 2019 and 2023. The highest number occurred in 2019 with three fatalities, while the lowest occurred in 2022 with zero fatalities.

Glasscock County ranks third with 268 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents, 415% higher than the state average of 52 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents. Among its population of 1,192, the county recorded an annual average of 3.2 fatal vehicle crashes between 2019 and 2023. The highest number occurred in 2019 with six fatalities, while the lowest occurred in 2020 with one fatality.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from DeHoyos Accident Attorneys commented:

“While driving remains essential for millions of Texans, these findings highlight that fatal vehicle crashes are far more likely in certain counties. Areas like Loving, Kenedy, and Glasscock, which have small populations but high crash rates, demonstrate that rural roads can be unexpectedly dangerous.

“Understanding where these risks are highest helps local authorities and policymakers prioritize safety improvements. Road maintenance, enhanced signage, speed enforcement, and public awareness campaigns can save lives on these high-risk routes.”

Culberson County ranks fourth with 220 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents, 323% higher than the state average of 52 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents. Among its population of 2,179, the county recorded an annual average of 4.8 fatal vehicle crashes between 2019 and 2023. The highest number occurred in 2021 with 13 fatalities, while the lowest occurred in 2019 with two fatalities.

Terrell County ranks fifth with 220 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents, 323% higher than the state average of 52 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents. Among its population of 728, the county recorded an annual average of 1.6 fatal vehicle crashes between 2019 and 2023. The highest number occurred in 2019 with three fatalities, while the lowest occurred in 2023 with zero fatalities.

Martin County ranks sixth with 214 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents, followed by Oldham (7th) at 207, Borden (8th) at 196, Hudspeth (9th) at 186, and McMullen (10th) at 162 fatal vehicle crashes per 100,000 residents.

Study Methodology

The study analyzed fatal vehicle crash data across all Texas counties between 2019 and 2023 from the CDAN Query Tool. It measured Average Fatal Vehicle Crashes per 100,000 Residents, highlighting counties where drivers were at the greatest risk. Higher numbers indicate a greater likelihood of fatal crashes on local roads.

Data Source