Stephen Hasner | Car Accidents | February 2, 2023
Living in Georgia presents some unique driving challenges. The state is home to three of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the country. To help you maintain your own safety and the safety of those around you, here’s a list of the deadliest highway stretches in Georgia.
Interstate 16
Interstate 16 (I-16) is considered one of the deadliest highways in the United States. It is contained entirely in the state of Georgia and extends 166 miles from Savannah to Macon. In 2016, officials installed barricades over 56 miles of the highway to prevent vehicles from crossing lanes and colliding with oncoming traffic.
Interstate 20
Interstate 20 (I-20) extends about 200 miles across Georgia and has been the scene of grisly car accidents time and time again. Georgia’s Department of Transportation (GDOT) has acknowledged problems with the road’s conditions, including issues with signage, striping, and general surface conditions.
Interstate 75
Interstate 75 (I-75) runs over 300 miles through Georgia and is one of the state’s most populated highways. It is known for accidents involving tractor trailers. Historically, many of these accidents have resulted in fatalities. This reality makes I-75 one of the deadliest highway stretches in the state.
GDOT has taken steps to minimize the number of accidents that occur along this treacherous stretch of road, including a current effort to mandate speed regulators for tractor trailers. If you are planning on driving on this highway anytime soon, make sure to take proper precautions.
Interstate 85
Interstate 85 (I-85) stretches across 180 miles in Georgia and is one of the busiest highways in the state. It runs northeast to southeast and sees a fatal crash nearly every other week. Current efforts are underway to prevent accidents by widening lanes and implementing security barriers to ease congestion.
Interstate 285
Interstate 285 (I-285) is an Atlanta-based highway that’s known as the most dangerous highway in the U.S. It stretches a total length of 64 miles and runs through Atlanta. Sadly, I-285 sees more fatalities than any other highway in the country. Currently, measures are being taken to make it a safer place to drive.
How You Can Help
If you are driving in Georgia, there are preventive measures you can take to ensure that the roads are safe for you and others. These steps are relatively simple to implement and rely on your awareness and basic courtesy.
Don’t Attempt to Multitask
Multitasking isn’t something the brain can feasibly do. Consequently, multitasking is a myth. If you want to test this for yourself, try to rub the top of your head with one hand and your belly with the other. At first, it will seem easy enough. Now, try to move your hands in opposite directions. It’s more distracting than it sounds.
This is what your brain goes through when you try to multitask. Your attention will be split between two different stimuli and not entirely focused on one or the other. In addition to not being very efficient, it’s also dangerous when operating a vehicle.
Don’t Follow Too Closely
Be sure not to follow too closely. Always leave enough space between the vehicle you’re driving and the vehicle in front of you. If you’re following too closely and the driver in front of you hits their brakes or stops suddenly, you will likely hit them.
No Distracted Driving
Focusing on anything other than driving your car in a safe and responsible manner could be seen as distracted driving. By putting your attention elsewhere, you are dramatically increasing your chances of getting into an accident.
Contact An Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer for Help After a Car Accident
Now that you understand the dangers of driving on some of Georgia’s highways, you’re ready to practice safer driving. However, no matter how safe you drive, you may not be able to avoid all car accidents. You can’t control the behaviors of other drivers after all.
If you’ve been in a car accident, contact Hasner Law, P.C. to learn more about your rights. We offer free consultations.
For more information, please contact the Atlanta car accident law firm of Hasner Law P.C. at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
