While it is difficult to secure statistics regarding the single most common cause of fatal motor vehicle collisions on Interstate 10 (I-10), statistics indicate that driver error is the likely factor in most fatal accidents on I-10 and other interstates. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), causes of accidents are related to the driver in as much as 94% of accidents. Therefore, it seems safe to conclude that most accidents that occur on I-10—including the fatal ones—are somehow related to driver error.
Drunk Driving and Other Driver Errors
You cannot think about the dangers of driving on the roads of Louisiana, I-10 included, without thinking about drunk driving. The state of Louisiana has a reputation for having fun, and a dark side of that reputation is the propensity by some to drive after consuming an amount of alcohol that means they are legally intoxicated.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Louisiana ranks above the national average in:
- The rate of drunk-driving related deaths across all age ranges
- The percentage of drivers who report having driven drunk in the previous 30 days before the report was published
These figures may show that driving on a stretch of I-10 within Louisiana may come with a relatively high risk of being on the road with a drunk driver, though this is not necessarily the case. Some of the impacts of alcohol on a person while drunk driving include:
- Poor judgement
- Poor muscle control/coordination
- Lessened reaction times
- A diminished ability to process information
- Impaired vision
- Impulsivity
Drunk driving is not the only risk that you may face while navigating I-10. Other forms of driver error that could lead to accidents on I-10 and other roads throughout the state include:
- Speeding
- Failing to use signals when merging, or changing lanes in a way that is abrupt or otherwise unsafe
- Vehicles being driven excessively close to the vehicle in front of them
- Driving a vehicle that is not roadworthy
- Engaging in distracted driving such as cell phone use, which is against Louisiana Safety Laws and is extremely dangerous
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Failing to stay in one’s lane
Any of these behaviors may increase the risk of an accident occurring, and considering the speed at which vehicles generally travel on I-10, such an accident could prove fatal.
I-10 Sees Many Accidents Every Year
I-10 is an undeniably important route for car, truck, SUV, and motorcycle drivers, as it spans the country from Florida to California. Its pathway through much of the country means that it is also a roadway that becomes densely populated with frequency, and is one of the highways with the highest death tollsduring heavy travel seasons.
A stretch of I-10 in Louisiana is particularly dangerous, referred to by some as “The Devil’s Triangle”. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation, there were 40 fatal accidents on I-10 in Louisiana in 2019, which is something of a down year considering that there were 57 fatal crashes the year before.
The Devil’s Corner stretch of I-10 includes a bridge across the Mississippi River, which causes traffic to slow down, and sometimes even stop, presenting an abnormal risk of accidents on a road where regular interstate speeds generally apply. The high level of risk to drivers and passengers on this stretch of I-10 only increases the importance of cautious driving.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
You May Be Eligible for a Lawsuit After an I-10 Accident
If you or a loved one were injured as you traveled on I-10, or another road, then you could have grounds to bring a personal injury lawsuit, or a wrongful death lawsuit if the accident proved to be fatal.
You are free to speak with a legal professional about:
- The circumstances of your accident, and whether they believe that you were the victim of negligence or malicious wrongdoing
- The process for bringing any lawsuit that you may be eligible for
If you choose, you may bring a lawsuit with help from a lawyer or on your own. If you choose to accept assistance from a lawyer, then they may:
- Handle all of your legal paperwork
- Handle all of your legal correspondence
- Collect evidence and conduct independent investigation
- Consult relevant experts
- Represent you in settlement negotiations or at trial
- Protect your rights
A lawyer may remain by your side throughout the entirety of your lawsuit, providing guidance and legal services along the way.
Call Our Team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured or your loved one died because of a motor vehicle collision, we may be able to represent you. Call our team at the Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
