The 5 most common I-85 road hazards include truck accidents, construction, and reckless driving. Take into consideration all of the most common I-85 road hazards you are likely to encounter, and then call a Charlottesville truck accident lawyer if injured in a crash.
1. Truck Routes and Congestion
One of the most common road hazards on I-85 is the number of trucks present. Tractor-trailers are very common along this stretch of road, especially since it is a major truck route that serves the state. It is one of the most significant routes running from the Greater Richmond Region into the Research Triangle, making it frequented by most major trucking lines.
I-85 connects Virginia to North and South Carolina, as well as to Georgia and Alabama. This connection links numerous factories and warehouses along the coast. Trucks coming into or out of the ports nearby are also using this route on a frequent basis as part of their drive.
Due to these factors, a large number of trucks are on the road. The presence of trucks themselves increases risks, especially due to their size, speed, travel, and weight. They are harder to share the road with because they are more challenging to see around. This makes trucks a big road hazard in the area.
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2. Most Common I-85 Road Hazards: Fatigued Drivers
Another common road hazard along I-85 is the tired driver. While that may not seem like a common reason for accidents to happen here, it is because of the length of this roadway and the importance of it in commuting up and down the East Coast states. Tired drivers increase the risk of injury and loss of life on today’s major highways.
Data shared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that about 50,000 people suffer serious injuries and 800 people die each year from drowsy driving. Drowsy driving can impact many people, but it is particularly a risk for drivers operating commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks.
Fatigue is such a critical factor in truck crashes that the federal government places restrictions on the hours of service a truck driver is allowed at one time. These rules minimize the number of hours they can work over the course of a week and ensure they get breaks throughout their shift. This enhances safety, especially on long and fast routes like I-85.
3. Reckless Driving
Another road hazard that contributes to a significant risk of serious injury and property damage is reckless driving. This is the act of engaging in illegal actions behind the wheel that put others at risk. Reckless driving can occur for many reasons, and it may be on the part of both truck drivers and commuters.
This behavior is always unnecessary, especially on the fast-paced highways like I-85. Types of reckless driving common on I-85 include:
- Speeding beyond the posted limit, often 15 to 20 miles per hour over it
- Distracted driving, including the use of phones, navigational devices, eating or drinking, or pets in the vehicle
- Reckless lane changing, including changing lanes at a high rate of speed or in close proximity to others
- Tailgating, or the act of following the driver in front of you too closely, which creates a risk for accidents when the driver slows down
- Racing, which is not uncommon on I-85, may be planned or unplanned actions in which two or more drivers attempt to beat each other
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or suffering impairment from medications or other products
These reckless driving examples occur on the roadway every day. When they do, they create a significant risk of loss of life for those who survive the accident. While increased police presence may help to reduce these risks, drivers must operate their vehicles defensively to protect themselves. A Charlottesville wrongful death lawyer can assist with your case.
4. Construction Projects
Construction is a necessary part of maintaining the roadway. For those who live in the area, it can sometimes seem like there is always a construction project on I-85 or one of the main arteries leading onto or off of it. This creates congestion and slows down traffic.
It also makes it even more challenging to navigate the roadway with trucks. Construction projects often entail narrowing lanes or creating unfamiliar traffic patterns, which increase the risk of accidents, especially when trucks are a part of the process. Reduced speed is not always something drivers follow, even when it is recommended.
Construction on I-85 is often related to the widening of the roadway as well as reconstruction on various parts of the on and off-ramps. This leads to lane closures as well as traffic patterns that may be more challenging to deal with for newer or less experienced drivers or those with larger vehicles in general. Speak with a Charlottesville personal injury lawyer today.
5. Weather and Road Conditions
Additional factors contributing to road hazards along I-85 include poor weather conditions and debris. It is not uncommon for heavy rain to become blinding and hard to navigate or for icy conditions to develop along parts of the roadway on particularly cold days. This increases the risk of serious accidents occurring.
Road conditions themselves can cause accidents. This may include poor lighting, debris on the roadway from a truck spill, or potholes. Deceased animals can even create a road hazard.
In each of these situations, drivers must slow down to get through the challenging conditions, and if they fail to do so, they can cause accidents. For example, trucks traveling on icy roads can easily lose traction, leading to serious loss of control and fatal accidents. These risks are often unpredictable and hard to avoid.
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Seeking Legal Guidance Is Critical
Understanding the most common road hazards on I-85 is important, especially if you are a victim of an accident. Your attorney will help you build a case against all parties that caused your injuries and hold them accountable for any losses you have.
That could be critical in rebuilding your life after a tragic accident. At MartinWren, P.C., we’ve served hundreds of clients facing situations just like yours, and we may be able to assist you, too. Call today to schedule your free consultation with our dedicated team.
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