Woman Drives Off Road, Dies After Falling to Lower Levels of I-35

According to a report from News4SanAntonio, a woman died after a late-night crash on Interstate 35 last weekend.¹

Police say the accident happened around 1:15 a.m. Saturday, February 28th, on the westbound lanes of I-35 near San Pedro Avenue and North Main Avenue.

Authorities reported that the 27-year-old woman was driving westbound when, for reasons still unknown, her vehicle drifted to the left and left the roadway. The vehicle fell onto the lower levels of westbound I-35.

Video and images from the scene showed the vehicle upside down on the highway below. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been publicly released.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Did You Know?

In 2024, 7,983 crashes across Texas were caused by fatigued or asleep drivers, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation.²

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Run-Off-the-Road Accidents at Night: Common Causes and Prevention

Late-night driving can be more dangerous than many people realize. Roads are often quieter, but visibility is lower and fatigue becomes a much greater risk.

When a vehicle drifts out of its lane at highway speeds, it may reach the shoulder, a barrier, or an elevated edge within seconds. In those situations, a driver may not have enough time or space to regain control.

Run-off-the-road crashes are among the most common types of fatal accidents in Texas, but they are preventable.

Read on to find out why they happen, how to prevent them, and when legal action may be appropriate after a tragic accident.

Why Do Run-Off-the-Road Accidents Happen?

Many run-off-the-road crashes begin with a small mistake. A driver may briefly lose focus, become distracted, or drift slightly out of their lane. At highway speeds, even a momentary lapse can cause a vehicle to reach the shoulder, strike a barrier, or leave the pavement entirely.

Several factors commonly contribute to these crashes, including fatigue, distraction, speeding, impaired driving, and reduced nighttime visibility. In some situations, drivers do not realize the vehicle is drifting until they feel the rumble strips or the tires leave the roadway.

Late-Night Driving Risks

Between midnight and the early morning hours, fatigue-related crashes become more common. Drivers may begin a trip feeling alert but grow drowsy quickly, especially after a long day or overnight work shift.

Warning signs of dangerous fatigue include:

• Difficulty staying centered in your lane

• Heavy eyelids or frequent blinking

• Missing exits or road signs

• Drifting onto rumble strips

Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. When these symptoms appear, the safest decision is to pull over and rest before continuing the trip.

Highway Design Can Increase the Severity of These Crashes

Some roadways leave very little margin for error. Elevated highways, overpasses, and sharp curves can turn a minor lane departure into a catastrophic crash.

When a vehicle leaves the roadway in these areas, it may:

• Strike guardrails or support structures

• Roll over after leaving the pavement

• Fall from an elevated roadway to a lower level

Because of these risks, investigators often review roadway conditions carefully after serious crashes.

How Drivers Can Stay Safe

While not every accident can be prevented, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of run-off-the-road crashes by:

• Avoiding driving when extremely tired

• Taking breaks during long trips

• Keeping speeds under control

• Staying focused and avoiding distractions

• Pulling over if drowsiness begins

Even small decisions can make a difference in preventing a serious crash. However, even the most careful driver can be hurt or killed in an accident due to factors out of their control.

Can a Single-Vehicle Crash Still Lead to a Claim?

Many people assume that if only one vehicle was involved in a crash, no one else can be responsible. That is not always the case.

In some situations, other factors may contribute to a single-vehicle accident, such as:

• Unsafe roadway design

• Missing or damaged guardrails

• Poor lighting or visibility

• Vehicle defects or mechanical failures

• Another driver forcing a vehicle off the road

Determining whether any of these factors were involved often requires a careful investigation of the crash scene, vehicle condition, and roadway design.

Lost a Loved One in a Run-Off-the-Road Accident? Call Shaw.

Losing a loved one in a sudden crash is devastating, especially when the circumstances are not fully understood. If your family lost someone in a run-off-the-road accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Medical expenses incurred before death

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

• Loss of financial support and companionship

We’ll help you find out for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just straightforward legal guidance when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹News4SanAntonio report

²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors 2024