Arizona, like a number of other states, faces problems with its infrastructure, including issues with its highways. Interstate 10 is considered one of the most dangerous roads in America, placing 18th on America’s 100 Deadliest Highways’ list. The dangers of this road are evident in the number of fatalities that occur on I-10 each year. Approximately 85 lives are lost annually on this treacherous stretch of road. I-10 is a major route for cross-country drivers, posing a particular challenge to truckers and motorists who share the road. In fact, Trucker Industry Newsplaces it in the top ten of dangerous roads for truck drivers. As a result, all drivers on this crowded highway are in danger from truck accidents. Experts are advocating for various safety improvements, but progress is slow. For the foreseeable future, I-10 promises to remain challenging to all drivers.
Median Barriers
I-10runs from Florida to California and carries millions of drivers every year, including innumerable large trucks that move freight across the United States. A number of factors make I-10 one of the deadliest roads in the country. However, some experts believe that the lack of median barriers is a major issue. Between Phoenix and Tucson, approximately 60 miles of road is lacking these barriers. This leads to “crossover” accidents, collisions that occur when a vehicle crosses over into oncoming east or westbound traffic. Currently, there is a broad dirt median that offers open space as a safety device instead of a physical barrier.
However, a median cable system or other “hard” barrier would actually stop cars from moving into oncoming traffic. This method would prevent many deadly accidents such as the horrifying crash that killed three in 2008. A car that collides at high speed with a semi will almost always be obliterated. Running into a barrier will cause much less damage and reduce fatalities.
So far, advocates have been unsuccessful at getting these barriers installed, partly due to cost. Of course, these tragic collisions cost the state millions of dollars.
Lighting
Poor lightingis another factor in I-10’s dangerous record. Bad lighting is cited as a contributing factor in many vehicle collisions, and I-10 has been designated the second darkest highway in the nation. In a five-year period, 472 accidents happened on poorly-lit or unlit areas on this interstate, making it a hazardous route for all vehicles and particularly trucks. Truckers often have difficulty seeing smaller vehicles under the best of conditions. On I-10, their vision is doubly compromised.
Dust Storms
Weather is generally not a major accident factor in I-10 collisions, except for dust storms, particularly in a two-mile stretch near Pichacho Peak. A 2013 study revealed that eight people died in more than 50 vehicle crashes in that area of highway in a ten-year period. Dust storms are particularly deadly when they cause truck accidents.
I-10 Safety Tips
Improvements have been made to this interstate, including widening some areas from two to three-lane traffic. Still, it’s a dangerous road for all drivers, leading to many fatal accidents, including those involving large trucks. Staying safe on I-10 requires taking precautions. Drivers should do the following:
- Tend to your headlights. Because the lighting on 1-10 is a problem, your headlights must be properly adjusted. Many vehicles have their headlights aimed too low or sideways, making it even more difficult to see at night. Also, make certain they are clean. Nighttime driving is more dangerous for everyone, but if you have poor night vision, try to stay off the road after the sun sets.
- On roads without median barriers, consider reducing your speed to give yourself more time to react to obstacles in the road or other drivers’ unsafe maneuvers. You may also choose to drive in the inside lanes, meaning you will be less likely to cross over into oncoming traffic and collide with a big truck.
- When it comes to surviving a dust storm, your best bet is to turn on your vehicle lights, reduce your speed and leave the roadway as soon as possible, taking the closest exit if you can. Otherwise, pull off onto the shoulder, turning off your vehicle lights once you are stopped to keep other cars from mistakenly following you and possibly colliding with you.
Personal Injury Representation
Avoiding I-10 in Arizona is frequently not an option, meaning motorists must rely on good travel conditions and smart driving tactics. Truck drivers cannot stop quickly and colliding with a semi head-on drivers little chance of survival. Motorists must always be cautious on this infamous stretch of road. Those who are involved in an Arizona trucking accident can find help at The Schmidt Law Group. They are experienced in helping the victims of Arizona roadway accidents, including those that occur on I-10. Arizona drivers and drivers from all over the nation rely on this roadway, and this high traffic flow magnifies the interstate’s dangers. A collision with a truck can lead to fatalities or devastating injuries that require extensive and expensive medical treatment.
The Schmidt Law Group can help I-10 and other accident victims get the compensation they need to regain their health and rebuild their lives. They are experts in filing personal injury suits to seek money for medical bills, rehabilitation and lost income. They can also file a wrongful death suit if the poor conditions on Arizona highways lead to a fatality. Too many people are suffering as a result of I-10 conditions and other Arizona infrastructure issues. Victims of these problems need expert help to get the relief that they need.
Those who have been harmed by Arizona road and truck accidents should call (602) 282-0047 or request a free case evaluationonline. The Schmidt Law Group will work to protect them in the aftermath of an accident.
