Although North Carolina has beautiful scenery and thriving cities, there are also dangerous roadways in the state, particularly for commercial truck drivers. The most dangerous roads for commercial truck accidents in North Carolina pose significant risk because of the combination of geography, traffic volume, and weather.
The Most Dangerous Roads for Commercial Truck Accidents in North Carolina
Roads become especially hazardous due to a number of factors, including heavy congestion, changing terrain, sharp turns, and inadequate infrastructure. This makes it even more dangerous for commercial trucks, as truck drivers have larger vehicles to maneuver with heavy cargo. In 2022, a study was done to determine the most dangerous roads in North Carolina, taking these and other factors into consideration. It found that some of the most dangerous roads were:
- Charlotte, NC: I-85 between Exits 36 and 41. Thirty-nine crashes and 42 deaths were reported.
- Charlotte, NC: I-77 between Remount Road and Exit 13A. Thirty-four crashes and 38 deaths were reported.
- Asheville, NC: I-240 between exits 1B and 6. Twenty-seven crashes and 27 deaths were reported.
- Rocky Mount, NC: I-95 between State Road 1603 and Exit 138. Twenty-four crashes and 31 deaths were reported.
- Gastonia, NC: I-85 between exits 14 and 19. Twenty-one fatal crashes and 21 deaths were reported.
These reports took place over a span of almost 20 years (2000 – 2019). Both highways, I-40 and I-95, were identified as also having had many dangerous semi-truck accidents.
Contributing Factors to Dangerous Highways
While truck accidents often involve factors like driver fatigue or poor truck maintenance, some of the most dangerous roads contribute to collisions as well. These roads become dangerous for a number of reasons, including:
- High traffic. I-85 and I-95, in particular, tend to bring a large amount of traffic, including a high number of commercial trucks. With connections to industrial centers and the presence of high urban traffic, the congestion increases the likelihood of accidents.
- Complex terrain. Some roads have characteristics that make it difficult for truck drivers to navigate them, such as narrow lanes, poor lighting, inadequate signage, sharp curves, and steep hills.
- Confusing intersections. Some of these North Carolina roads have multiple merges at once, meaning there are people merging onto the highway on both the right and the left. This can make it confusing for drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- High speeds. Some roads in rural areas have higher speed limits. This makes it harder for commercial trucks to maneuver or make sudden changes in the event they encounter a road hazard, which decreases their ability to avoid a potential accident.
- Weather. Some roads (I-95 in particular) are prone to sudden inclement weather, such as rain storms, which can limit drivers’ visibility on the road.
- Frequent construction. Some roads are more prone to regular construction than others. Construction increases the likelihood of accidents, as it increases confusion about the flow of traffic.
How to Increase Your Safety
Knowing the most dangerous roads for commercial trucks can help drivers increase their safety while on the road. Here are some tips to keep commercial truck drivers and others safe:
- Remain focused and alert. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. It is especially important to be alert on hazardous roads. Be mindful of other drivers and eliminate distractions, such as being on your phone or adjusting the radio or temperature.
- Be courteous to truck drivers. Truck drivers have greater blind spots than those driving other vehicles. Be sure to avoid being in their blind spots too long, yield when necessary, and try to avoid speeding or tailgating. Maintain a safe distance from commercial trucks on the road.
- Obey traffic laws, signs, and signals. Also, be aware of any changes on the road in areas of high congestion, construction, and complex terrain.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Take note of potential hazards. Drive defensively when you have to, especially around drivers who seem unsafe.
- Maintain proper vehicle maintenance. Make sure the vital operations of your car are in good condition, such as your brakes, tires, and steering.
- Rest well. Do not drive when you are heavily fatigued. Driving when tired can lower your abilities significantly, causing you to have a slower response to hazards and changes in the road.
FAQs
Q: What Factors Make Roads Dangerous for Commercial Truck Accidents in North Carolina?
A: The factors that contribute to dangerous roads for commercial truck accidents in North Carolina include heavy traffic, poor road conditions, complex roads, construction, inclement weather, and inadequate road signage. Factors such as driver fatigue can also increase the likelihood of an accident when paired with driving on roads that have hazardous conditions.
Q: How Can Truck Drivers Improve Their Safety on Dangerous Roads in North Carolina?
A: Some of the things truck drivers can do to improve their safety on dangerous roads in North Carolina include ensuring they get adequate rest to avoid driving while fatigued, avoiding distractions while driving, and practicing safe driving practices like adhering to the speed limit. They should also perform regular maintenance on their trucks to make sure they are in good condition and able to withstand hazardous driving conditions.
Q: What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Truck Accident on a Dangerous Road in North Carolina?
A: If you are involved in a truck accident in North Carolina, first you should seek medical treatment if you have immediate injuries. Next, if you are able, move your vehicle to the side of the road to help ensure the safety of other drivers. Finally, contact law enforcement and share the details of the accident, gathering evidence from the scene of the accident.
Q: How Can a Lawyer Assist Me After a Truck Accident?
A: Following a truck accident on a hazardous route, a personal injury lawyer can assist you by managing insurance company correspondence, offering professional legal advice, and defending you in court.
To make sure you get just compensation for your injuries, losses, or lost wages, a lawyer can assist with the collection of evidence, the assessment of culpability, and settlement negotiations. Their knowledge guarantees the protection of your rights and raises the possibility that your case will result in a favorable outcome.
Contact the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A. Today
If you have been involved in a truck accident, you don’t have to handle it alone. The Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A. can help you. Contact us today for more information.