What makes some highways more dangerous than others?
Interstate 65 in Alabama was named the state's most dangerous highway, according to a recent nationwide study conducted by Car Insurance Comparison, which ranked the most dangerous highways in every state nationwide.
"Each state has dangerous highways, but some routes claim far more lives than others," the Car Insurance Comparison article stated.
Interstate 65: Alabama's most dangerous highway
Traffic safety researchers at Car Insurance Comparison used several standards to determine the most dangerous highway in each state. Based on these different criteria, I-65 was ranked the most dangerous highway in Alabama.
Interstate 65 runs 366 miles north to south through Alabama. Starting in Mobile, AL, near I-10 and the Gulf of Mexico, I-65 travels through Montgomery, AL, and Birmingham, AL, before reaching the Alabama-Tennessee state line.
Each year, on average, 33 people die in car accidents on Interstate 65 in Alabama, according to the Car Insurance Comparison study based on accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
What are other dangerous highways in Alabama?
Interstate 65 isn't the only dangerous highway in Alabama. According to another traffic safety study by ValuePenguin, two of the 100 deadliest highways in the United States can be found in Alabama. The two Alabama highways that made the top 100 list were:
- I-65 in Jefferson County, Alabama — Ranked the 20th most dangerous road in the country.
- I-59 in Jefferson County, Alabama — Ranked the 46th deadliest road in the US.
Jefferson County, Alabama, includes Montgomery and is the largest county in the state by population.
In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) rated U.S. Highway 431 in Alabama as one of the most dangerous roads in the world in 2013, according to Car Insurance Comparison.
Common factors in highway accidents
Car accident fatalities were not the only reason Car Insurance Comparison ranked some highways more dangerous than others. Four other factors also came into play and consistently result in more highway accidents. The four common factors are:
- Hazardous weather – Heavy rain, hurricanes, snow, ice, high winds, and other inclement weather often cause highway accidents.
- Dangerous conditions – Highways with sharp curves, steep drops, wind tunnels, and mountain passes can be extremely dangerous.
- Outdated infrastructure – Potholes, missing guardrails, and poor lighting often play a role in causing highway accidents.
- Heavy traffic – Highways with heavy traffic consistently have more accidents in most cases.
"The deadliest highways in America tend to share common features," Car Insurance Comparison stated. "America's deadliest roads are usually heavily congested and prone to driving hazards like extreme weather."
Injured in a crash? Don't hesitate...call Dean Waite!
You might think you don't need a lawyer if another driver caused your car accident on a highway in Alabama. After all, the state has an at-fault car insurance system. That means the at-fault party should be responsible for your medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
However, just because they are responsible for your expenses does not mean recovering the compensation you deserve is guaranteed. Often, the insurance company for the at-fault driver will do everything possible to reduce or deny the other driver's claim. Why? Because car accident expenses – especially in cases involving highway accidents – can add up fast.
Whatever the circumstances of your case, our Mobile, AL car accident lawyers at Dean Waite & Associates, LLC can help you every step of the way. We know the laws that apply to accidents in Alabama, and we understand how the legal system works. That's why we have such a strong track record of success.
Don't hesitate after your car crash. Call Dean Waite and learn how our legal team can help you. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a law firm you can count on to get the job done right. We handle accident claims throughout Alabama.