Whether it is travelers heading for the beach or the mountains or commuters driving to their jobs, I-40 is one of the most heavily traveled roads in North Carolina. It is also one of the most deadly.
How dangerous is I-40 and how can drivers stay safe?
How deadly is I-40?
270 people died in accidents on I-40 in 2020, making it the third most deadly interstate in the United States. Excessive speed is the most common cause of fatal crashes on I-40.
What can drivers do to stay safe?
The most effective thing you can do to stay safe on the interstate is to drive the speed limit. Traveling at unsafe speeds not only increases the likelihood that an accident will occur but increases the severity of damage and injuries caused by accidents.
Always leave at least three seconds’ distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This gives you time to stop if the vehicle ahead of you must brake suddenly.
Pay attention. Do not text, talk on your phone, eat or turn around to check the kids in the back seat.
I-40 is a popular corridor for semi-trucks. Give them plenty of space. When following, passing or merging in front of these trucks, use your turn signal and leave plenty of space. Large trucks have less visibility than passenger vehicles, take longer to stop and are more difficult to control. Cutting off a semi-truck driver could lead to a crash.
If you have questions about a serious car accident, contact our law firm for more information.
