With the seventh-highest motor vehicle accident fatality rate in the country, Alabama is one of the most dangerous states for drivers. According to a recent ranking by drivingexperiences.com, Alabama is also home to one of the world’s most hazardous roadways–U.S. highway 431.
Alabama’s U.S. Highway 431, which runs through the eastern portion of the state, was identified as one of the twenty-two most dangerous roads in the world based on data derived from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2013 global report on road safety. Using a fear factor scale of one to 10, with 10 out of 10 being the deadliest, U.S. Highway 431 was given a rating of four out of 10.
What Makes U.S. Highway 431 so Dangerous?
This is not the first time Highway 431 has been identified as a dangerous road. It was also voted as one of “America’s Deadliest Highways” by Reader’s Digest in 2000. Since 2006, the state has undergone efforts to widen the roadway into four lanes, replace bridges, and increase patrols by state troopers.
Although the Alabama Department of Transportation attempts to improve safety on the road, it was the 4th most deadly road in the United States in 2013. The 98-mile stretch of Highway 431 that runs from Phenix City to Dothan saw 20 fatalities between 1999 and 2010.
The hazards identified on Highway 431 include:
- Poor visibility
- Traffic density
- Abrupt 2-4 lane changes
- Speeding
- Insufficient police patrols
Alabama State Troopers Understaffing Undermines Road Safety
A recent study by the University of Alabama’s Center for Advanced Public Safety concluded that Alabama needs to increase the number of state troopers in order to reduce unsafe driving. The study found that Alabama needs 1,016 state troopers to adequately patrol roadways, but currently has only 418.
With less than half of the state troopers it needs, law enforcement spends more of their time responding to motor vehicle accidents than proactively enforcing highway safety. As of now, nearly 70 percent of a state trooper’s shift is responding to calls while only 30 percent can be dedicated to proactive enforcement.
According to officials at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency believe that the reduction in the presence of state troopers on roadways is a major factor in the uptick of traffic fatalities in 2016.
How an Alabama Car Wreck Lawyer Can Help
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may be facing serious injuries, mounting medical costs, and time away from work. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses through a car accident case.
At Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C., our experienced car wreck lawyers can explain your legal options, answer any questions you may have, and help you fight to recover compensation for your injuries. With the help of one of our skilled car accident lawyers, you may be able to obtain compensation for:
- Medical costs
- Loss of earning potential
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Property loss or damage
Our attorneys have more than 65 years of collective trial experience and the resources necessary to fight for the maximum compensation possible. Our initial consultations are always free. To learn more about how we can help you, call our car accident lawyers to understand how they can help you. Schedule your free consultation today.
