California’s interstate roads are notorious for their heavy traffic and frequent accidents. The Consumer Affairs Journal of Consumer Research reports that Interstate 15 (I-15), Interstate 10 (I-10) and Interstate 5 (I-5) rank among California’s most hazardous highways. Understanding the risks associated with these highways can help you stay vigilant and safe on the road.
Interstate 15 (I-15)
I-15 is a major travel route connecting San Diego to the Nevada border. Due to its high traffic and congestion, it is notorious for accidents. In 2020, I-15 saw 133 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest interstates in the nation.
The mountain routes and changing weather conditions further increase the danger for commuters.
Interstate 10 (I-10)
I-10 stretches from Santa Monica to Arizona and is another busy road, especially in Los Angeles. It has seen numerous crashes due to the mix of local and long-distance drivers. In Riverside County alone, I-10 recorded 31 deaths in a recent year.
Interstate 5 (I-5)
I-5 is one of California’s longest highways, stretching from Mexico to Oregon. It carries a high volume of cars and trucks, and its high speeds and dense traffic often lead to severe accidents. In 2020, I-5 had 193 fatalities, with a rate of 14 deaths per 100 miles.
Why are interstate roads more dangerous?
Interstate roads can be more dangerous than regular roads for several reasons:
- Monotonous driving: Long stretches of highway can lull drivers into a false sense of security, leading to decreased attention and reaction times.
- Higher speeds: Interstates typically have higher speed limits, increasing the severity of accidents.
- Wrong-way collisions: The risk of wrong-way collisions is higher on interstates due to the complexity of on-ramps and off-ramps.
- Heavy traffic: The sheer volume of vehicles, including large trucks, increases the likelihood of accidents.
Drunk driving also contributes to a significant portion of the accidents, with nearly 31% of fatalities involving a drunk driver.
Seeking legal assistance
If you get into an accident on these roads, you may face physical, emotional and financial challenges. Dealing with insurance and medical bills can be daunting. California law allows you to recover compensation if someone else’s fault or negligence causes injury in an accident. Talking to a personal injury lawyer can help you know what you can do. A good lawyer can help you through the legal process and work to get you fair compensation.