Spanning nearly 64 miles, I-285 is often cited as one of the most lethal roads in the United States. The rate of deadly car crashes on this interstate fluctuates annually, sometimes decreasing, yet I-285 consistently ranks among the deadliest 10 interstates. It was designated the most dangerous highway in the U.S. in 2015, and with numerous fatal incidents already this year, it’s likely to regain this grim distinction.
For those residing in Atlanta, it’s well-known that I-285’s hazards stem from several issues: dense commuter traffic, numerous sharp curves, and a high volume of big rigs. The junction of I-285 with I-85, famously called Spaghetti Junction, experiences particularly severe truck congestion, dubbed the worst truck traffic bottleneck in the nation by the Ledger-Enquirer. The interchanges with I-75 and I-20 also see substantial truck traffic, making driving through these sections during peak times a perilous endeavor.
SAFETY MEASURES
To stay safe on I-285, taking several safety measures is crucial. These involve:
Shutting down your mobile phone. At minimum, silence your phone to eliminate distractions. Bear in mind: using a handheld phone while driving is against the law in Atlanta. Evading typical distractions. Beyond your phone, steer clear of adjusting GPS, the car stereo, or in-vehicle entertainment systems. Do your grooming at home or office, not while driving. Driving without impairment. Drunk drivers significantly increase the danger for everyone on the road, especially in dense traffic. Maintaining a peaceful demeanor. Over half of all fatal road incidents are due to aggressive driving, which encompasses speeding, following too closely, unpredictable lane switches, ignoring red lights, and other reckless and intimidating actions. By driving alert, sober, and calmly, you enhance your ability to react swiftly, reducing the chance of being in or causing a crash.
IN CASE OF INJURY IN ATLANTA
Even with cautious and polite driving, I-285 presents significant risks. Should you be involved in a collision with a truck or another vehicle, you might qualify for more compensation than what an insurer offers. We urge you to get in touch with our office promptly for a complimentary consultation to evaluate your case and discuss optimal strategies moving forward.
Regrettably, injuries aren’t the primary worry with I-285 accidents. If a fatal accident has taken a family member, you might be eligible for financial recovery for both tangible and intangible losses, such as future earnings and emotional stress. Our empathetic attorneys aim to support your family during this challenging period, defending you against exploitative insurers and advocating for the full compensation you deserve. Our dedicated, caring team looks forward to meeting with you to hear your story and guide you on the next steps.
Should you or a loved one suffer an injury or fatality on I-285 or elsewhere in Georgia, contact Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King at 404-760-7400 for a complimentary consultation. Based in Atlanta, we assist victims of severe injuries and families coping with a wrongful death across Georgia.