What Are the Main Causes of Car Accidents on I-10?
The most common causes of car accidents are distracted driving, speeding, recklessness, inclement weather, and drunk driving. This is true on I-10 and other major roads.
If you can avoid those five behaviors, you can drastically reduce your chances of being in a car accident and suffering from the damages that may result. I-10 is over 2,000 miles long, stretching from the California coast and ending on the eastern seaboard. While this southernmost highway serves eight different states and sees millions of drivers every day, it is not especially dangerous in comparison to other routes.
Main Causes of Car Accidents on I-10
In 2018, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that in Louisiana alone, there were 716 auto fatalities due to car accidents. Whether these happened on highways or residential streets is unclear.
You can reduce your chance of injury by engaging in various good driving practices.
Distracted Driving
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reported that between 2011 to 2015, there were over 26,000 car accidents attributed to distracted driving. According to the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction, smartphones have rewired the way our brains respond to alerts and notifications. In other words, it has become far too tempting to reach over and answer that text.
In Louisiana, it is illegal to use a cell phone to text or post to a social media site while driving. If pulled over by a law enforcement official for distracted driving, the initial fine is $175. If the behavior continues, each penalty thereafter is $500.
While it is true that the chances of getting pulled over for using a cell phone is low, distracted driving dramatically increases the odds of getting into an accident. In the aftermath of a crash, if one of the parties is found to have been texting at the time of the collision, this can be grounds for assigning liability in a personal injury claim.
Speeding
At times, I-10 can be a monotonous stretch of road, and it can be easy to succumb to highway hypnosis. The posted speed limits on I-10 can range from anywhere to 55 to 70 miles per hour. Traveling at an unsafe speed not only puts you at risk for an accident but also is breaching the duty of care you take on when you get behind the wheel.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding accounts for one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. To avoid becoming a statistic, it is wise to obey posted speed limits, or be vigilant for those who are not. Again, just like distracted driving, if speeding is found to be the cause of an accident, then that can be used as evidence against the responsible driver.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving refers to operating one’s vehicle in a manner that puts their safety and the safety of others at risk. Typically, this can be used as a catch-all term to refer to a variety of harmful behaviors. This can include not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence, or other actions.
Common reckless driving maneuvers can involve cutting off other vehicles, weaving in and out of traffic, “peeling out” when the light turns green, and engaging in road rage.
Inclement Weather
I-10 extends across the southeastern United States, and because of its sizeable length, can experience multiple weather conditions at once. Snow, rainfall, heavy winds, and fog can impair a driver’s ability to travel safely. While it might be acceptable to cruise along at 65 miles per hour on I-10 when it is sunny and clear, the same behavior can be one of the main causes of car accidents on I-10 in the middle of one of the state’s legendary September downpours. Drivers must employ defensive driving in all kinds of weather to avoid an accident.
Drunk Driving
According to NHTSA, 30 people die every day as a result of drunk-driving accidents. That is one death every 50 minutes. Driving while under the influence of alcohol can lead to:
- A decline in visual functions
- Difficulty steering
- Delayed reflexes
- Impaired perception
- Short-term memory loss
- Poor judgment
Additionally, in the state of Louisiana, if you are found to be operating a vehicle while under the influence, you can face hefty fines, jail time, and license suspension.
For a Free Car Accident Consultation in Louisiana, Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
There are limitless instances and several main causes of car accidents on I-10. If you find yourself involved in a collision due to the result of another person’s negligence, the Louisiana car accident lawyers at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help.
We can gather evidence to support your account of events, negotiate for a fair settlement, and hold the liable party responsible. We have the resources and insight you need to seek financial recovery. We work on contingency, meaning that we do not accept any fees until we get the payment for you. To speak to a member of our dedicated staff, call us today at (337) 777-7777.
