Schertz is one of the fastest-moving suburbs along the I-35 corridor toward Austin. With growth comes congestion—and with congestion comes a higher risk of serious crashes at the same handful of crossings, frontage-road turn lanes, and interchange ramps commuters use every day.
This post uses Texas DOT crash reporting data to put real numbers behind the risk in Schertz, then highlights the intersections and interchanges drivers should treat as “high alert” zones—especially during rush hour, weekends, and construction.
Schertz crash snapshot: what TxDOT reported for 2024
TxDOT’s annual “Cities and Towns” crash summary (built from Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Reports) shows the following for Schertz in 2024: (Texas Department of Transportation)
- Total crashes: 931
- Fatal crashes: 4
- Fatalities: 5
- Suspected serious injury crashes: 26
- Suspected serious injuries: 31
- Suspected minor injury crashes: 104
- Possible injury crashes: 108
- Non-injury crashes: 684
The same TxDOT report notes the data represents crash reports “received and processed” as of a specific cutoff date (important because late-reported crashes can shift totals). (Texas Department of Transportation)
Why this matters for “deadliest intersections”
Even in a city with “only” a few fatal crashes in a year, those fatal and life-changing collisions tend to cluster where:
- speeds change quickly (interchanges and ramps),
- traffic weaves (frontage-road merges and U-turn lanes),
- heavy trucks mix with commuters (I-35 corridor),
- visibility and decision time are limited (wide crossings and complex signal cycles).
And statewide, intersections remain a major factor in fatal crashes. TxDOT’s statewide crash facts report notes 1,121 people were killed in crashes occurring in intersections or related to intersections (2023). (Texas Department of Transportation)
The highest-risk intersections and interchanges Schertz drivers should watch
Important note: TxDOT’s city-wide summary tells us how many serious and fatal crashes happened in Schertz, but it doesn’t list the “top intersection” by crash count. The locations below are the most common high-conflict nodes in Schertz’s commuting network—places where serious crashes are more likely because of speed, traffic patterns, and roadway design (and where major incidents frequently trigger closures and long backups).
1) I-35 & FM 3009 (Roy Richard Dr) + frontage roads
If you drive Schertz, you know this one: interstate speeds, ramp merges, frontage-road turns, and constant lane changes. This area is especially risky for:
- rear-end crashes in stop-and-go backups,
- sideswipes during last-second lane changes,
- truck-involved collisions where stopping distance is longer.
Driver tip: Give yourself an “extra lane” of space near the ramps. Many severe crashes here start with a quick merge or a hard brake.
2) I-35 & Schertz Parkway (including access road intersections)
This interchange is a classic “weaving” zone: drivers exiting, entering, and trying to reach businesses on the frontage road in a short distance. High-risk moments include:
- trying to cross multiple lanes to make a turn,
- U-turn lanes and signal timing confusion,
- distracted driving when searching for entrances.
Driver tip: If you miss your turn, don’t “save it.” Take the next safe option and loop back.
3) FM 78 & Schertz Parkway (rail crossing area)
Rail corridors add a different kind of danger: stopped traffic near tracks, limited escape options, and drivers misjudging space. Schertz police documented a train/18-wheeler collision at Schertz Parkway & FM 78, and emphasized how quickly a vehicle can become trapped where trains cannot stop in time. (Schertz)
Driver tip: Treat railroad crossings like an intersection you must be able to clear completely. If you can’t clear the tracks, don’t enter—even if the light is green.
4) FM 78 & FM 3009
Two major routes, high daily volume, and a steady mix of local traffic, commuters, and larger vehicles. Common crash dynamics include:
- red-light/left-turn conflicts,
- “gap judgment” crashes (turning left across fast-moving traffic),
- rear-end chains during signal backups.
Driver tip: When making a left, assume oncoming traffic may be faster than it looks—especially if they’re accelerating to “beat the yellow.”
5) FM 3009 & Schertz Parkway
This is where suburban growth meets corridor traffic. Expect:
- heavy turning movements,
- drivers changing lanes late to reach turn bays,
- frequent congestion that increases rear-end risk.
Driver tip: Leave more following distance than you think you need. Rear-end crashes are one of the most litigated—and most avoidable—collision types.
6) I-35 access roads near major shopping entrances and signalized turns
Some of the most dangerous “intersections” aren’t the big crossings—they’re the frontage-road signal clusters where drivers are accelerating off ramps while others are slowing to turn into businesses.
Driver tip: Watch for the “two-speed problem”: the car in front of you may brake hard to turn while traffic behind is still accelerating from the ramp.
If you’re in a crash at one of these intersections, do these 7 things
Texas law imposes specific duties after a collision (including stopping, exchanging information, and rendering aid), and Chapter 550 governs many post-crash requirements. (Texas Statutes)
Here’s the practical checklist we recommend after any Schertz-area crash:
- Get to safety (if you can do so without making injuries worse).
- Call 911 and ask for medical help if anyone is hurt.
- Exchange information (name, contact, insurance, vehicle info).
- Photograph the scene: vehicle positions, skid marks, signals, signage, and the full intersection approach.
- Identify witnesses (names + phone numbers).
- Get medical evaluation the same day if you have pain, dizziness, headache, neck/back symptoms, or any numbness.
- Request the crash report. Texas law requires officers to file a written crash report to TxDOT in qualifying collisions (such as those involving injury, death, or significant property damage). (Texas Department of Transportation)
Texas deadlines and fault rules that can affect Schertz crash claims
A few Texas rules come up again and again in car and truck wreck cases:
- Two-year limitations period (most injury cases): Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 sets a two-year deadline for many personal injury claims. (Texas Statutes)
- Modified comparative responsibility (the “more than 50%” bar): Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001 can prevent recovery if a claimant is found more than 50% responsible. (Texas Statutes)
Deadlines and fault allocation can be fact-specific. Getting advice early can help preserve evidence and avoid preventable mistakes.
When Schertz crashes turn serious: what typically needs deeper investigation
In severe-injury and fatal cases—especially near I-35—key evidence often includes:
- intersection and business surveillance video (often overwritten quickly),
- event data recorders (“black box” data) in newer vehicles,
- truck driver logs, onboard systems, and company safety policies in commercial cases,
- roadway design factors (signal timing, signage visibility, construction pattern changes),
- medical documentation tying the injury mechanism to the crash.
Talk to Ryan Orsatti Law about a Schertz-area crash
If you or a loved one was hurt in Schertz—especially around the I-35/FM 3009/FM 78 corridor—you can call to discuss what happened and what documents to gather first.
Ryan Orsatti Law
4634 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249
Phone: 210-525-1200
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This blog is for informational purposes only, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future results.