Maison Law represented car accident victims across California, helping them face the injuries and other challenges that can come from these unfortunate incidents. As a driver, the potential causes of an accident aren’t limited to other drivers. In many cases, you have to pay attention to the actual route you’re traveling. Some roads and interstates in California–and the nation itself–are more dangerous than others.
States With the Most Dangerous Roads
When it comes to getting behind the wheel, you have to be aware of many different things. From other drivers to your own actions, virtually everything can factor into an accident. And these factors aren’t limited to just California. While you might spend the vast majority of your driving time in the state, there are any number of dangerous roads scattered throughout the United States.
Here’s a look at the states with the most dangerous roads in the country, as compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
Louisiana
Long one of the most diverse and unique states in terms of culture and layout, Louisiana had one of the highest number of fatal car accidents in the country, according to IIHS data. In 2021, there were 887 fatal accidents, equaling 1.78 accidents per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Interstates 10, 12, and 49 are major thoroughfares in the state, as well as a number of other state highways.
New Mexico
Although it’s one of the smaller states in terms of population, New Mexico had the fourth-highest number of fatal car accidents per miles traveled in 2021, with 1.79. This comes from 427 total fatal car accidents across the state’s nearly 27,000 vehicle miles traveled in 2021. Interstate 40 is the state’s busiest road, running through Albuquerque in the heart of New Mexico.
Arkansas
Interestingly, another one of the nation’s smaller states in terms of population and infrastructure found itself near the top of the list for dangerous roads and fatal car accidents. Arkansas had 631 fatal car accidents in 2021, averaging out to 1.8 fatal car accidents per miles traveled that year. Interstates 40 and 30 are among the most dangerous highways in the state, running through the main population center in Little Rock.
Mississippi
When you consider its proximity to the other states on this list, it’s not surprising that Mississippi also has some of the nation’s most dangerous roads. The data found that there were 1.89 fatal car accidents per 100 million miles traveled in 2021, taken from a total of 697 accidents that year. Interstate 20, which runs through the middle part of the state, sees its fair share of car accidents in Mississippi.
South Carolina
Topping the list is South Carolina. With its location as a main thoroughfare to the Atlantic Ocean and southern United States, South Carolina had the highest number of fatal car accidents per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2021 with 2.08. In fact, its 1,112 fatal car accidents that year nearly doubled that of Mississippi, which had the second highest. Part of the reason for this number is that four major Interstates run through the densely-packed state, 20, 26, 77, and 95.
What are the Main Causes of Car Accidents?
While this data certainly underscores the danger that’s inherent in getting behind the wheel of a car, what’s important to understand is that every car accident is unique. Although there’s unique circumstances that lead to any car accident, what’s nearly universal across the country is the underlying causes:
- Driving under the influence – When people drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, it impairs their ability to safely operate the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Being distracted – This occurs when drivers are not fully attentive to the road, often due to things like texting, elevating the risk of accidents.
- Reckless or aggressive driving – Some drivers partake in risky behaviors such as speeding, weaving through traffic, or disregarding traffic signals, contributing to accidents.
- Drowsy or fatigued driving – Drivers who are tired or drowsy experience reduced reaction times and may struggle to maintain focus, making accidents more probable.
- Not following the law – Not following traffic regulations and laws, including speeding, running red lights, or not yielding the right of way, can result in accidents.
Regardless of the cause of your particular car accident, what you need to do in the aftermath is get to safety and be checked by a doctor or urgent care professional. This will address any immediate injuries and get your well-being in order. From there, consider reaching out to our team for help.
Contact Maison Law After a California Car Accident
As you can see, car accidents can have serious consequences. If you or someone you know got hurt in one of these accidents, it’s important to know your legal options.
In California, you have the right to seek financial support for things like medical bills, emotional distress, and more due to a car accident. If someone passed away, you can also get help with funeral costs.
If you’re in this tough situation, reach out to our team of California car accident lawyers at Maison Law. We have the experience to explain what you can do and guide you through getting the support you need to recover from your injuries.
To get the recovery process started, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
