🚗 Why Some Roads Are Riskier Than Others
Not all intersections are created equal. In Polk County, a mix of outdated infrastructure, speeding, and distracted driving makes some intersections reliably more dangerous than others.
While not every wreck makes the news, ask any local police officer, EMT, or tow truck driver — and they’ll point to a handful of locations that see the most action.
We’ve compiled information based on public safety data, local reports, and community feedback to identify the top crash zones around Onalaska, Livingston, and the Lake Livingston region.
⚠️ Top 7 Most Dangerous Intersections in Polk County
1. US-190 & FM 2457 (West Livingston)
- Frequent rear-end collisions during peak hours
- Poor visibility turning left from FM 2457
- High-speed traffic coming out of Onalaska
2. US-190 & FM 350 (Livingston)
- Multiple lanes with inconsistent signals
- Heavily trafficked by semis and tourists
- Several fatal accidents reported over the years
3. FM 356 & Old Trinity Road (Onalaska Area)
- Sharp angle intersection
- Limited signage
- Rural drivers often unfamiliar with right-of-way rules
4. US-59 Business Loop & FM 1988 (Livingston)
- Congested during school hours
- Buses and big rigs often involved
- One of the top intersections for insurance claims
5. US-59 & FM 942 (Corrigan Area)
- High-speed cross traffic with limited merging space
- Dangerous in rainy or foggy conditions
- Reported fatalities and rollover incidents
6. FM 350 & FM 3126 (South Lake Livingston)
- Close to campgrounds, marinas, and weekend traffic
- Narrow turning radius and fast oncoming vehicles
7. US-190 & FM 1276 (Moscow Area)
- Poor shoulder clearance
- Increased truck traffic from logging and oilfield services
🧭 Why It Matters for Onalaska Residents
Many Onalaska locals commute daily to Livingston for work, school, or supplies — and that means passing through these intersections often. Holiday weekends see traffic spike, and the combination of tourist unfamiliarity, lake traffic, and bad lighting can quickly lead to collisions.
🚦 What’s Being Done?
TxDOT has implemented the following in high-risk zones:
- Extended green/yellow light delays
- Reflective rumble strips
- LED-lit stop signs in rural areas
Still, funding for major improvements is slow. Several proposed upgrades are stuck in planning or awaiting grant approval.
You can view upcoming projects here:
🔗 TxDOT Polk County Project Tracker
👀 Stay Alert and Stay Alive
Here’s how locals are staying safe:
- Use apps like Waze to avoid backup-heavy spots
- Drive slower through intersections known for poor visibility
- Install dashcams to protect yourself legally in the event of a crash
And most importantly: Put the phone down. Distracted driving is a rising factor in Polk County wrecks.
