Americans have always had a love affair with their cars. Whether they drive a luxury, vintage, or just a regular old family vehicle, people enjoy the freedom of the open road. Fortunately, the United States offers plenty of places to explore. Each state has its own highway system, and the federal government has an interstate and numbered highway system. In total, there are 2.7 million miles of road, which, if taken in a straight line, would circle the globe 107.2 times,
according to ValuePenguin.
The existence of so many roads and drivers results in a lot of automobile accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides some harrowing statistics: In 2014, the United States experienced 29,989 fatal motor vehicle crashes that caused 32,675 deaths. Said differently, there were 10.2 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.08 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Of all the highways in the country, Interstate 285 that borders the new
Atlanta Braves stadium is considered the most dangerous.
Interstate 285 Statistics
Based on a system considering fatalities during a 10-mile stretch, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that I-285, which encircles the city of Atlanta, is the most fatal highway in the United States. In 2013 alone, there were 29 deaths on I-285. Considering the length of the highway, these statistics mean there were 3.5 deaths for every 10 miles.
I-285 draws about 416,000 drivers per day, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. That’s a considerable amount of traffic.
Theorists have asserted several factors that may contribute to the lethal aspect of I-285. One theory points to the layout of Spaghetti Junction—the informal name for the Tom Moreland Interchange – an 18-lane freeway where I-285 merges with I-85. This confusing and jumbled stretch of highway can overwhelm anyone but especially out-of-town drivers.
Others believe the sheer number of vehicles on the road and the presence of many tractor trailers contribute to the accidents. I-85 alone hosts more than two million vehicles daily.
Also, drivers of small vehicles often change lanes to pass slow-moving vehicles, contributing to a higher risk of accidents. Snow and ice coats I-285 during the winter, creating hazardous driving conditions. Atlanta residents will never forget “snowpocalypse” in January 2014.
For commerce journeying between Florida and Tennessee, I-285 is a major thoroughfare. The lack of alternate routes available to truckers increases the likelihood of accidents because large numbers of tractor-trailers routinely use I-285.
A Busy Roadway All the Time
I-285 is constantly busy, including nights, weekends, and holidays. With all of this traffic, plus an increase in distracted driving due to cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices, I-285 is becoming more accident prone. In fact, throughout the first half of 2016, traffic fatalities increased by a whopping 10.4 percent compared to the same period in 2015.
If you were hurt in an accident on I-285, contact a lawyer who will help you get the recovery you deserve. Contact the personal injury firm of
Williams Elleby Howard & Easter which is located just a few miles north of I-285 in Cobb County.
833-LEGALGA 
