How to Protect Yourself From An Accident on I-10: The Most Deadly Highway in America
Posted in Car Accidents,Distracted Driving,Drunk Driving Accidents,Impaired Driving on March 24, 2020
If you spend any of your time in New Orleans, you’re likely familiar with I-10. It’s the fourth-longest Interstate in the U.S. and acts as a connection point between our southernmost states. The passage stretches all the way from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California (at State Route 1) to I-95 in Jacksonville, Florida. Our home city is just one of eleven major areas connected by the stretch of road.
I-10’s gargantuan presence in the country is great for travelers, but it poses some risks. Those of us who regularly travel on or near I-10 face unique challenges and dangers.
Avoiding an Accident on I-10: Steps Drivers Should Take
Prepare your vehicle
It’s difficult to take steps to stay safe on I-10 if your car can barely hold itself together. Drivers should take the time and effort to maintain their vehicles before heading out onto any roadway, let alone a major Interstate. Make sure that you’re up to date on these basics, at the very least, to ensure that your vehicle is dependable on the road:
- Oil changes
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Paperwork (license, registration, proof of insurance)
Many of us let regular maintenance get away from us– that’s okay, but try to schedule an appointment with an expert a week or two away from your trip. This gives you time to prepare (and repair) things for travel. If you regularly use I-10 to commute, consider implementing a regular schedule for these tasks.
Plan ahead– and plan for delays
One of the simplest ways to increase your safety on the road involves timing. If you’re running late to a meeting, you may be more prone to rush or make risky decisions behind the wheel. You’re also more susceptible to getting flustered or frustrated when other drivers behave poorly; this can lead to accidents, too.
Try to leave your point of origin with early enough that you’ll get to your destination with time to spare. Most of us run on tight schedules these days, so we aren’t suggesting hours of cushion room– just enough that you can afford to keep your cool if traffic doesn’t agree with your timetable.
Try to grab company
If you’re able to drive with somebody else is the car, it’s a good step to take. If your passenger (or passengers) holds a driver’s license, they can even help with driving!
Any passenger can help a driver remain occupied and alert. It’s important to remember, though, that passengers can also create risk. Try to bring along people who won’t distract you from the road too badly. If you’ve got a little one who demands a lot of attention, consider bringing somebody to help keep him or her distracted during the drive.
Rest up
Those who are fortunate enough to bring company on a drive can also take advantage of something else: rest.
Provided your passenger is a licensed driver, it’s a good idea to switch off who’s manning the wheel at regular intervals. Taking turns driving helps prevent burnout and allows drivers some time to focus and relax between “shifts.” If you can, you should try to sleep when it’s your turn to step back from behind the wheel. We can all benefit from some extra rest and mental refueling in the days that lead up to a trip, too.
Coping with inebriated, aggressive, and other problematic drivers
Sometimes we encounter drivers who present a clear threat on the road. If you’ve been driving for some time, you’ve probably nearly bumped fenders with one of these people yourself. Some drivers insist on getting behind the wheel despite the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Others fail to contain their emotions and pose a danger when they begin to drive erratically.
It follows that your time spent on I-10 might bring you into contact with individuals like this, too. I-10 is a popular means of travel teeming with cars; you’re likely to run into somebody acting erratically at some point.
No matter what exact danger a driver near you poses, it’s important to:
- Remain alert
- Keep a distance from the vehicle/driver in question
- Notify the authorities if appropriate
If you believe that a driver may be under the influence or exhibiting symptoms of road rage, it’s important to call 911 as soon as possible. Local authorities can help get dangerous drivers off the road.
Avoid rush hour
Rush hour is rush hour for a reason– a percentage of readers likely work jobs that require them to be on the road at these times. Sometimes, driving during rush hour is unavoidable. The best steps to take in these circumstances revolve around basic safety and defensive driving techniques. Try extra hard to follow safe practices during rush hour.
Some of us are fortunate enough to be able to avoid rush hour traffic– and if you can, you should. Local radio and news stations, real-time traffic reports on the web, and driver-friendly apps all serve as spots to grab news on current traffic conditions. Those who manage to travel before or after rush hour face less traffic and a minimized risk of accidents.
Remember: rush hour is dangerous. Most fatal accidents throughout the workweek occur during the traditional rush hour (five to six pm).
The Law Office of John W. Redman Supports I-10 Accident Victims
At the Law Office of John W. Redmann, we believe in empowering and educating victims of auto collisions and other forms of personal injury. We understand the impact that a car accident can have on your life– and we want to support you in your pursuit of justice. We assist victims of auto collisions in obtaining compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish
- Diminished wages or earning potential
- Property loss
- Disfigurement and loss of life
If you’d like to speak to an experienced legal professional about your accident– whether it occurred on I-10 or not– contact us today or call our offices at (504) 500-5000. Prospective clients can leverage a free initial consultation in order to determine whether our services are the ideal fit for their case.