If you live in or near Atlanta, chances are good that you find yourself taking I-285 on a regular basis. This interstate is one of the busiest in the country and it is easily and often congested with traffic.
Due to the high volume of traffic on I-285, it should not come as a surprise that it is the scene of many car accidents throughout the year. However, you may be surprised to learn that I-285 is actually the deadliest interstate in the entire U.S.
Data recently released by the National Highway Traffic Association shows that there were 26 fatal accidents on I-285 in 2013, the most recent year for which the data was compiled. This was the highest number of fatal accidents per mile on any interstate in the country during that year.
Additional statistics are not exactly encouraging, either. The report went on to note that there were 1,085 fatal accidents in 2013 in all of Georgia, which makes it the seventh deadliest state in terms of fatal car crashes.
All types of collisions contributed to that disappointingly high number, from single-car crashes to multi-vehicle crashes and from truck and car accidents to pedestrian accidents. The report found, however, that car occupants suffered the highest rate of fatalities and most accidents occurred in urban areas.
Efforts have been made since 2013 to improve conditions in Georgia, including moves to hire more road safety and truck inspectors to get unsafe trucks off the road and address any potentially dangerous conditions that could lead to accidents. It will be interesting to see if these efforts paid off in the form of lower fatal accident rates.
However, if you have been involved in an accident, whether it happened on I-285 or a quieter street near your house, you should know that you are not just a statistic. You have rights as a victim to pursue legal action if you were injured as a result of negligent or reckless behaviors. Discussing your options with an attorney can help you protect yourself and seek the compensation you may deserve.
Source: WSB-TV, “America’s deadliest interstate is in Georgia, study says,” Nov. 7, 2015
