We all know how treacherous Southern California’s freeways can be. But a recent study by ASecureLife.com, a security website, confirms that there is another reason to be nervous while driving your car on Los Angeles highways this summer. The 5 Freeway, which spans about 800 miles of California, has officially been documented as the U.S. highway with the most number of fatalities during the summer months.
Most Dangerous Highways
The study is based on information gleaned from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). It analyzed traffic fatalities in the months of May through September from 2015 to 2017. Overall, the number of deaths in each state correlated with the size of the state.
In other words, the bigger the state, the higher the number of deaths. California had the most dangerous single highway, with 192 deaths on Interstate 5.
But, Texas had the most combined deaths (444) on its three most dangerous highways (154 fatalities on the I-10, 151 on the I-20, and 139 on the I-35). Florida ranked high at 160 fatalities on its US-1 highway, even though it is smaller than California and Texas.
Why is Summer Particularly Dangerous?
Summer has its own specific list of reasons as to why roads are more dangerous. Family road trips and a surge in outdoor activities, such as gatherings, parties, and beach trips, are contributing factors. Another reason for this spike in accidents is that more teens are on the roads because school is not in session.
Driving while intoxicated, speeding, or distracted are the usual causes of teen-related crashes. Crashes involving teens are highest during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
It is important, especially during the summer, to be extra vigilant on the road. Here are a few tips:
- Watch your speed. Don’t exceed the speed limit or drive at a speed that is dangerous given the traffic, roadway or weather conditions.
- Maintain a reasonable distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you. Do not follow too closely.
- Put away all electronic devices when you start driving. Set temperature controls and navigation devices before you embark on your journey to avoid distractions while driving.
- Never drink and drive. Assign a sober designated driver or take a cab home if you plan to consume alcohol.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash or injured by dangerous conditions, please contact an experienced California car accident lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/how-to-survive-a-red-eye-flight-and-even-feel-like-a-human-the-next-morning
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.