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New Study Shows Summer’s Most Dangerous Highway is Located in California

Anyone who lives in Southern California is unlikely to be surprised to learn that our highways can be very dangerous. However, a security website just completed a study that shows that the 5 Freeway, which goes up and down about 800 miles of the state, is in fact the most dangerous U.S. highway during summer months. The main factor they used to determine this designation was the high number of fatal car accidents in the summer months.

A Closer Look at the Most Dangerous Summertime Highways

The study looked at information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report: Fatality Analysis Report System. This report (FARS) looked at traffic deaths from May to September 2015, 2016, and 2017. The deaths in each state generally correlated with the population of the state. California had the most dangerous highway with nearly 200 deaths on the I-5 alone.

That said, Texas had the most deaths – 444 – on their three most dangerous highways. This came out to 154 fatal accidents on the I-50, 151 deaths on the I-20, and 139 deaths on the I-35. Florida had 160 fatal accidents on US-1, even though it is not nearly as big in size as California or Texas.

Why is Summer Such a Particularly Dangerous Time?

You may wonder: What makes summer so dangerous? There are a few specific reasons that it has more accidents. First, consider that there are many family road trips taken, as well as an increase in gatherings, trips to the beach, parties, etc. Second, consider that school is not in session so our most dangerous drivers – teens – are more likely to be on the road. Teen deaths in auto accidents are often the result of drinking and driving, speeding, or distracted driving.

Finally, consider that with so many families going on vacation, there are many people renting vehicles. This can be dangerous because a vehicle a driver is not as familiar with is a more dangerous vehicle. Even drivers who drive their own cars can have issues in new cities or states when they do not know the rules, do not know the roads, and are constantly distracted by new views or by looking out for their next turn or stop.

How to Stay Safer on the Roads in Summer

It is true that summer is behind us but that does not mean that we should not consider what we can learn from recent summer accidents. According to those who created the study that looked into these deaths, there are some steps that can be taken to lower the number of summer accidents. They suggesting watching your speed, keeping a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, not driving while distracted, and not drinking and driving.

If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.