Fredericksburg's Riskiest Driving Locations 

Fredericksburg, located in Gillespie County with a population of around 11,000, is a beloved destination in the Texas Hill Country due to its thriving tourism, numerous wineries, and charming heritage Main Street. With US 290 and SH 16 running through the city, traffic congestion caused by both tourists coming to Fredericksburg, and locals, is a very real issue. With the increase in traffic, there is an increase in car accidents in Fredericksburg, which is a serious problem for residents, travelers, and commuters. To help reduce accidents, it is important to understand where and why crashes happen.  

This report is based on data from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (TxDOT CRIS), which provides detailed crash reports, including geocoded data within 200 feet of intersections for precision. Additional insights come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA FARS) for fatal crash data, supplemented by local sources like the Fredericksburg Standard and Navbug. Given the preliminary nature of the 2024 and 2025 data, this report will focus on data from 2020 to 2023 to ensure accuracy and reliability. In compiling this extensive dataset, we have identified Fredericksburg's most dangerous intersection, roads prone to accidents, and contributing factors. This will be useful for drivers, officials, and advocates working to reduce accidents and improve road safety in the beautiful town of Fredericksburg, Texas.  

Key Takeaways from Crash Data 

• Most Dangerous Intersection: US 290 & SH 16 (Main St & S Washington St), with 65 crashes, driven by heavy tourist traffic and downtown congestion. 
• Fatality Hotspots: US 290 & SH 16 and US 290 & Friendship Ln, each with two fatal crashes, often involving high speeds or pedestrian incidents. 
• Peak Crash Times: Morning (7–9 AM) and evening rush hours (4–7 PM), with weekend afternoons (12–6 PM) linked to tourist traffic and DUI crashes (19% of fatal crashes). 
• Leading causes: include speeding (30% of crashes), failure to yield (25%), and distracted driving (15%).  
• Crash Statistics: Fredericksburg reports approximately 500–700 crashes annually, with Gillespie County recording 628 crashes in 2023, including 14 fatalities and 5,885 serious injuries statewide. 

Most Dangerous Intersections in Fredericksburg 

Fredericksburg's intersections with heavy traffic, especially along US 290 and SH 16, tend to experience crashes involving significant tourist traffic, complex intersection signal patterns, and the presence of pedestrians. A determination of the most dangerous intersections was conducted using TxDOT CRIS, Navbug, and Fredericksburg Standard reports. The intersection where US 290 and SH 16 meet is reportedly the site of the most crashes. The analysis of crash history from 2020 to 2023 focused on total crash frequency (injury and fatal crashes).  

The junction of US 290 & SH 16 is a common crash point in downtown Fredericksburg, where heavy tourist traffic and pedestrian traffic lead to significant rear-end and T-bone crashes. US 290 & S Adams Street have common vehicle crashes, generally involving signal violations and heavy commercial traffic. Across these intersections, the leading causes of crashes include speeding (30%), failure to yield (25%), and distracted driving (15%). 



Fredericksburg’s Most Crash-Prone Roads and Corridors 

Fredericksburg’s major roads, particularly those serving as commercial and tourist corridors, experience high crash rates. Using TxDOT CRIS and 2023 Texas Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics, the following roads are identified as the most crash-prone based on total crash counts (including property damage, injuries, and fatalities) from 2020 to 2023. 

US 290 (Main Street) serves as Fredericksburg’s primary commercial corridor. It is recording some of the highest accident rates, especially around busy downtown intersections and tourist attractions. SH 16 and US 87 also experience high accident frequencies, with a significant number of accidents resulting from the mix of commuter and tourist traffic, as well as a high percentage of rear-end collisions during peak travel times, between 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM. It's been reported that distracted driving caused 15% of the accidents, and speeding caused 30% of the accidents; this is consistent with statewide percentages. In Texas, 1,587 distracted driver crashes occurred in 2023.

Locations with the Most Fatal Crashes 

Additionally, Fredericksburg's high accident rates are attributed to its status as a popular tourist destination, which is characterized by heavy traffic resulting from both tourism and commuting. Given this, we can separate locations of fatal crashes that occurred with high-speed corridors, intersections with pedestrian exposure, and for which the crash conditions were more pronounced due to higher volumes of tourist traffic. The listings include the number of fatal crashes for locations identified in NHTSA FARS and TxDOT CRIS crash data from 2020 to 2023.  

There were two fatalities this year at the intersections of US 290 & SH 16 and US 290 & Friendship Lane - typically from a high-speed crashing event or pedestrian-related incident from Fredericksburg’s busy tourist congestion. Gillespie County experienced 14 fatal crashes in 2023, with Fredericksburg contributing a significant number of those due to the high-speed, rural sections of US 290. Notable contributing factors were DUI crashes involved in 19% of the fatalities and speeding in 30%. At a state level, with 1,012 DUI-alcohol fatalities in 2023, impaired driving is as dangerous as assumed! 

Where Serious Injuries Are Most Common 

Serious injury crashes (non-fatal) often involve pedestrians, cyclists, or high-speed collisions. The following locations, identified using TxDOT CRIS data, had the highest number of serious injury crashes from 2020 to 2023. 

The intersection at US 290 & SH 16 has led to 35 serious injury crashes, primarily driven by heavy traffic volumes and significant pedestrian activity in downtown Fredericksburg. US 290 & S Adams Street also reports a high number of injury collisions, often tied to its complex intersection design and congestion from tourist traffic. Severe injuries in these areas are frequently linked to failure to yield (25%) and distracted driving (15%), reflecting a broader statewide trend of 5,885 serious injury crashes reported in 2023. 

Top Causes of Crashes in Fredericksburg 

In Fredericksburg, crashes are caused by a combination of human error, high traffic volumes, and the city's busy network of tourist-driven roadways. We can analyze the TxDOT CRIS data for the leading contributing factors:  

• Speeding: Involved in 30% of crashes, particularly on US 290 and SH 16, where high speeds reduce reaction time during congestion or tourist activity. 
• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: Represents 25% of crashes. This can happen at busy intersections like US 290 & SH 16, where drivers may drive straight through (and subsequently have a side-impact collision or T-bone crash). 
• Distracted Driving: Responsible for 15% of crashes, with drivers distracted by phones, navigation apps, or tourist activity in downtown areas. 
• Impaired Driving: A factor in 19% of fatal crashes, especially during weekend afternoons (12–6 PM) and evenings, with 1,012 DUI-alcohol fatalities statewide in 2023. 

The Fredericksburg Police Department has implemented DWI enforcement initiatives, including sobriety checkpoints during peak tourist seasons, to address impaired driving. 



When Crashes Happen Most Often 

• Evening Rush Hour (4–7 PM): Crash volume is most significant during the evening rush hour due to both congested roads and distracted driving of fatigued drivers and tourists. Major corridors, such as US 290 and SH 16, experience higher volumes of rear-end and side-impact crashes during the evening rush hour. 
• Morning Commute (7–9 AM): Another peak period, with crashes often linked to multitasking, school zones, and stop-and-go traffic near intersections like US 290 & S Adams St. 
• Weekend Afternoons and Evenings (12–6 PM): Serious and fatal crashes are common during these hours, particularly due to tourist traffic and impaired driving. High-speed corridors, such as US 290, and rural segments of US 87 are especially hazardous. 

Tips for Staying Safe on the Road in Fredericksburg 

The reasons behind Fredericksburg’s crash patterns include heavy tourist traffic, rushed or distracted driving, and an infrastructure that is not fully equipped to handle current volumes. To stay safer on Fredericksburg’s roads: 

• Avoid Peak Traffic Hours: If possible, avoid driving between 4–7 PM and on weekend afternoons (12–6 PM), especially in downtown areas.  
• Allow Extra Space: Maintain a safe following distance, particularly on US 290 and SH 16, to account for sudden stops or pedestrian activity. 
• Stay Focused: Avoid distractions like texting or navigation apps, especially in tourist-heavy zones. 
• Plan for Safe Travel: If heading out during peak tourist seasons, ensure you’re alert or use rideshare services to avoid impaired driving. 

Stay Informed. Stay Safe. We’re Here When You Need Us. 

Fredericksburg’s roads can be hazardous, especially with the influx of tourists and high traffic volumes. Behind every crash statistic lies a real person, a family, and a story that matters. At A2X, we want to share this information to help you make smarter decisions, avoid risky areas, and keep yourself and your family safe. If you or someone you care about was involved in an accident, we want to help. A2X is dedicated to being with you every step of the way, not only to guide you through your recovery but to provide support wherever it's needed. We are just a safe place that takes you on the journey with us. We want to be with you as you recover for as long as it takes.   

To stay updated on local crash trends, safety alerts, and high-risk areas in Fredericksburg, follow trusted sources like the Fredericksburg Standard, TxDOT, and KSAT News for the latest information on accidents, traffic patterns, and road safety initiatives. If you’ve been affected by a crash and need guidance, call us today at (361) 452-1279 to take the next step toward healing, justice, and peace of mind. 

Request a Consultation