Georgia has some dangerous roads, none more so than I-285 which has the dubious distinction of being the deadliest interstate in the nation according to some surveys.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted there were 2,867 fatal accidents on major American interstates in 2013, according to figures from the National Highway Traffic Association.
I-285 circles Atlanta. The study found the stretch of just under 75 miles recorded 26 fatal accidents in the year of study and 29 deaths, giving it a rate of 3.5 fatal accidents per 10 miles.
Most of the deadliest interstates were in the southern states with Texas, Florida, and California dominating the list.
The I-285 around Atlanta is one of the nation’s most dangerous roads
The study in Vox found auto accidents killed 32,719 people in America in 2013, about 90 people every day. Stretches of road like I-285 were considerably more dangerous than other interstates.
The AJC noted particularly characteristics of the Atlanta interstate that were consistent with other deadly highways.
It pointed out that seven of the top 10 deadliest interstates in the United States are bypasses or perimeters in their own right.
The article said I-285 fills up with tractor-trailers and attracts drivers who aren’t from Atlanta who seek to avoid congestion on the Downtown Connector (Interstates 75/85).
When tractor-trailers are involved in wrecks, the consequences are often more serious due to the weight of these vehicles.
Drivers on I-285 often switch lanes around these tractor-trailers causing big rigs to overturn or crash into other vehicles.
The AJC reported the presence of out-of-town drivers searching for their exits who are unfamiliar with the sharp turns in the I-285/I-20 interchange in DeKalb County or the dangerous one at I-75 in Clayton, adds to the deadly mix.
I-285 sees a large share of wrecks with multiple fatalities. For instance, in February three people were killed early in the morning in a crash at the I-285/I-675 interchange in DeKalb County.
Police said speed was a factor in a crash that involved a silver 2014 Chevrolet Camaro LT coupe and a blue 2015 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Convertible, reported Channel 11.
If you are driving on I-285, you should be aware of the many dangers. Keep your distance from big rigs and don’t make sudden lane changes. Don’t drive too fast on this congested interstate.
Please contact the Law Office of Michael West here at (404) 913-1529 if you have been injured in an automobile crash.