2024 is already underway, and while we certainly hope for a decrease in total highway collision injuries and fatalities this year, the reality is that there are certain high-risk highways you and every driver in this state should be aware of. The car accident attorneys in Newnan want to inform readers about the high-risk highways in Georgia to enhance their awareness and promote safer driving practices.
These Highways Require Extra Caution
This is certainly not a list of all possible highways where severe collisions could occur in Georgia, but this does cover a range of our most dangerous, high-risk highways in Georgia for 2024.
- Interstate 85 (I-85) – Interstate 85 (I-85) traverses the state of Georgia northeast from the Alabama state line near LaGrange, passing through Atlanta and heading towards the South Carolina border. The stretch through Atlanta is part of the city’s “Spaghetti Junction,” where it intersects with I-285, known for its complexity and congestion.
- Interstate 75 (I-75) – Interstate 75 (I-75) runs from the Georgia-Florida border near Valdosta up through the heart of Georgia, including Macon and Atlanta, before reaching the Georgia-Tennessee border at Chattanooga. This is a major north-south route that supports a significant amount of freight traffic, as well as serving as a major travel route for tourists heading to and from Florida. The section through Atlanta is particularly well-traveled, contributing to its reputation for traffic snarls and delays.
- Interstate 20 (I-20) – Interstate 20 (I-20) stretches from the Alabama state line through Atlanta and proceeds eastward to the South Carolina border. This highway is a main east-west corridor artery for Georgia, helping with the transportation of goods and people between the middle of the state and the rest of the East Coast. The segment passing through Atlanta connects with I-75 and I-85, contributing to the metropolitan area’s extensive network of interstates.
- Interstate 16 (I-16) – Interstate 16 (I-16) runs from downtown Macon to Savannah, acting as a direct link between the interior of the state and the Georgia coast. This highway is particularly known for carrying beach traffic to Savannah and the nearby barrier islands during the summer months. I-16 is also an important route for the transportation of goods to and from the Port of Savannah, one of the nation’s busiest ports. The highway is infamous for its long stretches without significant exits, emphasizing the importance of driver attentiveness.
- Interstate 285 (I-285) – Interstate 285 (I-285), known as “The Perimeter,” circles Atlanta, providing an essential bypass route for traffic wishing to avoid the downtown area. It intersects with all major highways running into and out of Atlanta, making it a pivotal route for navigating the broader metropolitan area. Despite its purpose to alleviate congestion, I-285 itself often experiences heavy traffic and has some of the highest volumes of any highway in the state. It’s also known for being one of the primary routes for freight trucks, adding to its congestion.
Highway Collisions Are Much More Dangerous
There is a direct correlation between higher speeds and the seriousness of injuries and property damage that occurs in a vehicle accident. Unfortunately, accidents that occur on highways are much more likely to result in catastrophic injuries for drivers and passengers. This includes but is not limited to, severe traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, internal bleeding or organ damage, and even death.