The data for 2020 accident statistics is not in yet, but the majority of the deadliest cities and roads for drivers in the United States can be identified by using past years’ data. Some of these roads may have made improvements over the past year to make them safer, while other previously-safer roads may have developed new hazards or experienced a surge in traffic deaths.
Road safety is a major responsibility for all road users. Unfortunately, drivers whose priority is never on observing safety precautions when using roads result in serious accidents. Knowing which roads are the riskiest can help you better prepare and take precautions. In 2018, 768 car accident fatalities were reported in Louisiana, showing the seriousness of these accidents. Below are some of the most notorious roads in the U.S. that any driver should be aware of.
Statistics on the Roads
Most of the densely populated cities in the country include deadly driving zones. With over 120 million vehicles on the road and more than 80 percent of American adults driving at least three times a week, the risks associated with driving have increased. Despite the popularity of road transport as a means of commuting, the dangers are immense.
The deaths on these roads represent a number of teenage lives being cut short. Vehicle accidents are responsible for a large percentage of the total number of teenage deaths. What’s more, most of these roads record a higher number of drivers aged between 16 to 19 years old per mile than those above 20 years old.
Deadly American Roads
Not all roads are dangerous, and the level of risks vary. Roads in busy cities and towns are riskier than those in suburbs and small towns. According to NHTSA, some of the most dangerous roads in the U.S. in 2018 are found in specific states and are rated as follows:
- Texas with 3,642 fatalities
- California with 3,563 fatalities
- Florida with 3,133 fatalities
Other states have lower rates, making their roads safer and less risky. These include Alaska with 80 deaths, Rhode Island with 59 deaths, and Washington D.C. with 31 deaths. While the stats may show the three top cities in 2018, an analysis of the past 10 years also shows the same trend. An average of the fatality rates per city from 2008 to 2018 is as follows:
- Texas record 34,000 deaths
- California with 33,034 deaths
- Florida with 27,891 deaths
The same states have posted similar results over the years, with Texas taking the lead and Illinois having the lowest rate of risk.
What Makes These Roads Dangerous
One thing seems to be similar in all the states recording the highest accident rates and fatalities resulting from the same. They are among the country’s densely populated areas, meaning that they also post high rates of drunk driving, accidents, and deaths. The same cities also tend to have a lot of traffic in similar places so dangers of running red lights increases. All these traits are risk factors that increase the possibilities of fatal accidents occurring.
Your choice of vehicle can play a role as well. It’s well known that you have a higher likelihood of getting injured in an accident if you are on a motorcycle. There are several reasons why, such as the fact that it’s easier to fit into the blind spot of a vehicle. However, drivers in larger vehicles also, on average, aren’t as cautious around bikes as they are other vehicles, so it’s always a good idea to have a number of a motorcycle accident lawyer. You have to be prepared for the possibility that you have to defend your rights after you have been in an accident.
Cities with Dangerous Roads
Besides states with high rates of road accidents, some cities are notorious for posting high fatality rates. Like the states, cities with high-population densities also tend to have dangerous roads. These cities include Los Angeles, which posted the highest number of fatalities at 628. It is then followed closely by Phoenix with 466 deaths and Houston with 366 deaths, all in 2018. Road users on these cities’ roads should pay extra attention when driving.
Time Factor
While these roads are generally high-risk, the rate of risk increases depending on the time of day. Research proves that there are more accidents during the nighttime compared to daytime. When everyone is hurrying to get back home during rush hour, road users need to be more vigilant because the risks of the roads are heightened. Avoiding these hours, especially the nighttime hours, is highly recommended unless it is an emergency.
