In the last ten years, the number of auto collisions in Katy resulting in fatalities has remained steady, but the total number of crashes has nearly doubled increasing from 400 in 2012 to 787 in 2022.
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In the last ten years, the number of auto collisions in Katy resulting in fatalities has remained steady, but the total number of crashes has nearly doubled increasing from 400 in 2012 to 787 in 2022. Just last month, five children and six adults were involved in a three-car wreck at the intersection of Fry Road and Morton. As Katy continues to experience exponential growth every year, it is likely that the number of car wrecks will also continue to increase.
These numbers are staggering. And as students and teachers return to schools this fall, roadway traffic will increase – and with that, the potential for more wrecks. One of the most common places for collisions to occur in Katy is at an intersection.
A “dangerous intersection” is one where fatalities, serious injuries, and/or a high volume of accidents occur. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Crash Records Information System (CRIS), the following intersections experienced the highest volume and most severe traffic crashes between January 1, 2023 and July 24, 2023.
1. Intersection of 1463 and Hwy 90. 50% of crashes resulted in injuries. TxDOT reported 14 crashes at this intersection resulted in seven injuries including one fatality. This intersection is an area with ongoing construction, high school traffic, and the need to make frequent lane changes.
2. Intersection of I-10 and Hwy 90. 15% of crashes resulted in injuries. TxDOT reported 19 crashes at this intersection resulted in three injuries including one fatality. This intersection is in an area with cars going at a high rate of speed coming off of the freeway and the need to make lane changes.
3. Intersection of 1463 and I-10. 10% of crashes resulted in injuries. TxDOT reported 40 crashes at this intersection resulted in four injuries. The volume of accidents makes this intersection dangerous along with the fact that many wrecks here involve a high number of stopped cars being rear ended.
4. Intersection of Katy Fort Bend and I-10. 50% of crashes resulted in injuries. TxDOT reported four crashes at this intersection resulted in two injuries. This intersection is in an area with a high volume of retail traffic.
5. Intersection of Katy Hockley and Morton. 40% of crashes resulted in injuries. TxDOT reported five crashes resulted in two injuries. This intersection is in an area with practice fields and retail traffic.
Always avoid driving distracted or tired and stay alert as you approach an intersection, are travelling at a high rate of speed or are on a roadway where you, and others, must change lanes frequently. Use your signals, the proper turn lanes and make sure intersections are clear before crossing. Stay safe and be sure to repeatedly practice intersection crossing with any new drivers in your home.
Shane McClelland is the founding partner of the Law Office of Shane McClelland, a personal injury law firm based in Katy. His website is hmtrial.com.