Most Dangerous Highways in Akron

Recent data from the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) revealed that Akron saw a slight dip in car accidents between 2015 and 2016. This news isn’t all good, however, if you consider that car accidents (and fatalities from these wrecks) are up from 2014’s figures. In fact, Akron has the most high-crash intersections in the region. The city’s number clocked in at 164, with second place going to Cuyahoga Falls at a mere 31. But it’s not just the roadways that are unsafe. Akron’s highways are notoriously dangerous, as well.

If you’ve been injured in an accident on one of Akron’s many highways, contact the Akron car accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick at (330) 869-9007 to schedule a free case consultation.

Where are the Most Dangerous Highways in Akron?

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) analyzes the areas on Ohio’s freeways where the most accidents occur. For their analysis, ODOT looks at the top 50 rural and top 50 urban freeways in the state. According to AMATS, ODOT listed three Akron-area rural freeways as having high crash locations. Additionally, their analysis included six urban freeway locations in the Akron metropolitan area in their top 50 high crash sites.

The freeways and state routes that have a high record of crashes include:

• Interstate 76
• Interstate 277
• Interstate 77
• State Route 8

What Factors Lead to Highway Accidents?

The physical characteristics of a road definitely play a part in accidents. If asphalt is not properly cared for, it can develop large potholes. Driving over a pothole, especially at speeds of 55 mph and above, can pop your tires and send you skidding through traffic. If you swerve in an effort to avoid the pothole, you can sideswipe the cars next to you. Freeways that are littered with items like trash, tree branches, or roadkill can also pose problems for drivers.

The actions of the drivers themselves are often to blame for accidents. The chances of a car crash increase if a driver:

• Follows the car in front of them too closely
• Takes their attention away from the road to fiddle with the radio or check their phone
• Weaves in and out of lanes without using a turn signal or properly checking their mirrors
• Drinks or uses drugs before driving
• Veers into another lane
• Fails to allow traffic to safely enter the freeway
• Refuses to yield to traffic when getting on the freeway

All of these actions are dangerous. When you combine them with high speed, they can be deadly. Freeways typically have speed limits of 55 miles per hour or higher, and drivers who go ten or more above the posted speed limit can increase the damage done in a car accident.

Hurt on One of the Most Dangerous highways in Akron? Call Us for Help

As residents of Akron, the car accident lawyers of Kisling, Nestico & Redick are all too familiar with the dangerous highways in the city. Crashes that occur on roads with high speeds can have devastating results. If you or a loved one were a victim of one of these accidents, call us today. Let us help you fight for fair compensation so you can focus on healing. Contact us at (330) 869-9007 to schedule a free consultation.