While following Georgia’s traffic laws and safety protocols can make you feel safer while you are out on the road, it is still important to gain insight into which highways are recognized as the most dangerous paths to travel while in and around the state.
What makes our state’s roads dangerous?
In 2023, the state reported a total of 1,615 car crash fatalities. Of this total, 781 drivers had alcohol in their system, while 468 occupants were not wearing seatbelts. While there are various factors to consider in traffic accidents, there are some elements that make other roads riskier than the rest.
Heavy traffic challenges
There is a lack of public transit options in the state, particularly in rural areas. Because of this, commuters have no choice but to depend on ridesharing services, which often leads to a more significant amount of traffic, especially during rush hours.
Driver fatigue
Being stuck on the road for long hours due to congested traffic can make drivers suffer from fatigue and/or sleepiness.
High traffic speeds
Georgia has a speed limit of 70 mph on interstates and 55 mph in urban areas, which can make drivers resort to risky speeding behaviors.
Poor road visibility
Some of the state’s infrastructure have fewer streetlights and narrow curves that make it challenging to drive in, especially during the night.
When drivers operate on the road while facing one or more of these challenges, they not only risk their own life but the lives of the other drivers and pedestrians on their path.
What are the riskiest roads and highways in the state?
When you familiarize yourself with the common threats that certain roads and highways in Georgia pose, you can proceed on your travels with better awareness.
Here are five of the most dangerous roadways to travel in the state:
- I-20 in Austell: This heavy traffic interstate spans the entire state from east to west.
- l-85 in Atlanta: This major highway travels northeast to southwest in Georgia from Alabama via twin bridges.
- Georgia SR 42: This state route begins at an intersection with Peach Parkway in Byron to the Atlanta metropolitan area.
- US-278 in Lithia Springs: This U.S. route has a travel span of 1,728 km, passing through five states in the process.
- GA-85 in Riverdale: This state highway is a vital route for the region’s transportation and commerce.
By learning about the roads that you plan to travel to in advance, you can drive with better caution while keeping yourself and everybody else in the area safe from accidents.