A majority of truck drivers will make it through their careers without ever being involved in a serious crash. For most truckers, safety is their number one priority, and drivers will take all necessary steps to ensure that they operate their trucks in a safe manner.
However, no amount of safety measures can ever completely eliminate the risk of an accident. Outside of trucker negligence, a number of factors can cause a crash to occur. Most commonly, poor weather, unsafe road conditions, or faulty equipment can lead to a serious accident.
According to the National Safety Council, about 5,700 fatal truck accidents were reported in the United States in 2021. Here is a closer look at statistics involving truck accidents in that year:
Some areas are naturally more dangerous than others when it comes to the risk of a truck accident. Truckers and motorists in these areas are more likely to be involved in a crash due to any number of reasons. Let's take a look at a few areas that are widely considered to be the most dangerous in the country for truckers.
US Highway 550 is a stretch of road that runs from Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Montrose, Colorado. Nicknamed the "Million Dollar Highway," a 25-mile stretch of road in Colorado is perhaps the most dangerous area in the country for truckers. The Million Dollar Highway climbs to more than 11,000 feet in elevation. Making matters more treacherous, the road does not have shoulders or guardrails in many areas.
Hazardous Colorado weather conditions, including avalanches, mudslides, falling rocks, and blizzards, can make travel in this area nearly impossible. For a 26,000-pound commercial truck, matters can become downright deadly with a single mistake.
The James Dalton Highway crosses Alaska's northern slope region. It runs for 414 miles through the northernmost part of the state. The Dalton Highway route is especially treacherous because of its geography. The road is one of the most isolated areas in the country, where truckers can travel for miles without coming into contact with other individuals or vehicles. The lack of nearby gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses can spell danger in the event that a truck driver becomes stranded. When dangerous winter weather is thrown into the mix, the Dalton Highway can quickly become a deadly place for truckers.
Stretching from the western border of North Dakota and running through Idaho, Highway 2 is often regarded as one of the more scenic roads in the United States. However, it is also one of the most dangerous. Through a stretch that runs through Montana, the road has a 70 mph speed limit. However, drivers often travel much faster while enjoying the open road.
The remote nature of the area means that help is not always nearby. According to statistics, the average EMS in Montana had a nearly 45-minute response time in 2021. For law enforcement and rescue workers traveling up and down the remote highway, this response time may be even longer. It should come as no secret that AAA recently rated Highway 2 as one of the most dangerous roads in America.
Interstate 10 crisscrosses the country and runs east from Jacksonville, FL, all the way west to Santa Monica, CA. A particular stretch of this interstate has been problematic. Arizona is home to about 300 miles of I-10. This part of the highway is notorious for reckless drivers, speeding, illegal passing, and vehicle crashes. During a recent six-year period, approximately 500 people were killed in crashes in Arizona's area of Interstate 10.
Interstate 285 in Georgia is dangerous because it is an area where multiple other roads connect to each other. A complex system of connecting interstates invites danger for trucks and other motorists. As recently as 2015, I-285 had a fatality rate of 3.5 per every 10 miles. This resulted in the highway being the deadliest in the nation at that time. While conditions have improved marginally since that time, the road remains among the most treacherous in the country.
Interstate 26, which runs through central South Carolina, is the deadliest stretch of road in the state. Between 2006 and 2010, 325 deaths were reported on this highway alone. Parts of I-26 are known for not having any guardrails and also steep embankments. When combined with high speeds, impaired divers, and distraction, the results can be catastrophic. Truck drivers traveling on I-26 should always remain alert to the possibility of danger.
It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of a truck accident. While many truckers aspire to the highest standards of safety, sometimes they fall short of the mark. Dangerous roadway conditions and driver negligence are the main causes of many serious and fatal truck accidents in the United States. Having an experienced United States truck accident lawyer by your side is often the key to recovering full compensation.
The injuries suffered in a truck crash can be severe. This includes broken bones, head trauma, neck and back injuries, bruising, swelling, and even prolonged hospitalization. When you have been hurt in a truck accident anywhere in the United States, you should be fully aware of your legal rights. Here at Burg Simpson, we provide our clients with an explanation of the process. We then walk them through what to expect as they move forward with the case.
Our team is standing by now to speak with you. We always offer a free consultation and case evaluation for all potential and prospective clients. When we meet with you, we will go over your case in detail and help to come up with a successful legal strategy.
The stakes are high following a commercial vehicle accident. Our nationwide truck accident attorneys will be by your side every step of the way. To speak with a national truck accident lawyer, please reach out to us using our contact link or give us a call at (888) 895-2080.
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