While vehicle manufacturers are adding many more safety features to their vehicles than ever before, automobile accidents continue to be a leading cause of serious injury and death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately six million car accidents occur each year in the United States. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reports that nearly 40,000 of these car accidents involve fatalities and 1,600 of these deaths are people under the age of 15. Young inexperienced drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident than drivers who are 20 and older. This is in large part because teen drivers are unable to recognize a dangerous situation or underestimate the potential dangers.
Reasons why these roads are dangerous
Interstate 10 in California – This interstate runs for nearly 300 miles from Phoenix, Arizona to California. While this is one of the most scenic routes, it is also one of the deadliest. In 2012, more than 45,000 people were injured and 700 people died in car accidents in Arizona. According to Arizona state officials, the road is too narrow for the amount of traffic it handles.
Interstate 15 in California – This interstate runs between Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. More than 1,000 people have died on this Interstate in the last 15 years. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority estimates that nearly eight million people drive from Southern California to Las Vegas each year, making Interstate 15 one of the busiest highways in the nation.
Interstate 95 in Florida – Considered to be one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the United States. From 2004 to 2008, NHTSA reported that there were 662 fatal accidents on this 382-mile highway, with an average of 1.73 accidents per mile. I-95 is known for dangerous potholes, narrow lanes, and inappropriate signs.
Interstate 76 in New Jersey – This stretch of highway runs 435 miles from Ohio to New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is currently in final design and construction to improve the Interstate 295, Interstate 76 and Route 42 interchange. Construction began in March 2013 and will continue until the end of 2021. The purpose of the project is to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion on the interchanges of I-295, I-76 and Route 42.
Interstate 10 in Louisiana – This particular interstate is dangerous due to the state of the road. It rests on a soft bog that is not a great base. In 2005, the road was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina and is full of potholes and cracks. This stretch of highway stretches for nearly 275 miles across the state and for 2008, there were 318 deaths. Also, the highway runs through an industrial canal in New Orleans. There is an extremely steep incline and some vehicles break down at this point causing multi-car accidents.
When to get advice from a legal professional
When someone is injured in a car accident, they have the right to claim damages against those responsible. Victims are entitled to compensation for the cost of necessary medical treatment, the amount of lost wages if they are unable to return to work, and damages for pain and suffering. Family members of victims who died in a motor vehicle can file a wrongful death case. If you or a loved one was the victim of a car accident, contact an attorney to help you file a claim.
