New Report Ranks the 10 Freeway Fourth Deadliest in the Nation

Interstate 10, which runs through a large part of Southern California and cuts through six more states before ending in Florida, is the fourth deadliest highway in the nation, according to a new report. On the bright side, California’s portion is only the fourth worst of eight states, the report by ValuePenguin, a website that helps consumers make business and finance decisions, stated. The site ranked the freeways based on the number of deadly crashes per 100 miles of roadway between 2011and 2015. During that time, the 10 Freeway averaged 54.5 fatal crashes per 100 miles from coast to coast, the study found.

Causes of the Fatal Accidents

The data for this study was obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) fatality analysis reporting system, which identifies fatal accident trends. The report says poor lighting conditions were a factor in 35 percent of all fatal accidents on the 10 and about 25 percent of all fatal accidents on the highway involved a suspected drink driver. The highway’s stretch in Texas was the deadliest with 424 accidents. Arizona was second (276), Louisiana third (208) and California fourth with 186.

The three highways in the country, which were more dangerous than the 10 in the last five years, are State Route 99 near Fresno, the Interstate 45 in Texas and the I-95 along the eastern seaboard. If the study had looked just at the total number of fatal crashes, the 10 would be number one, according to the ValuePenguin report. Experts say some of the dangers posed by these freeways are caused by the age of these roadways and some of the dangers are caused by design deficiencies as well. Safety experts say these design issues can be overcome with engineering solutions.

If You Have Been Injured

If you have suffered injuries as the result of a freeway accident, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your legal rights. First and foremost, file a report with the appropriate law enforcement agency and obtain a copy for your records. Get as much evidence as possible from the accident scene including contact information for everyone involved, insurance and vehicle details, eyewitness contact information and photographs of the crash scene. Get prompt medical attention, treatment and care for injuries you may have suffered. Contact an experienced California car accident attorney who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected.