Getting behind the wheel of a car comes with inherent risk, no matter how short or long your journey may be. Operating a several-thousand-pound vehicle capable of reaching highway speeds in seconds requires attention, intention, and care. Unfortunately, people neglect their duties to people who share the road with them by taking their eyes off the road, driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or otherwise acting recklessly.
While an accident can occur anywhere in the state, certain roads in Virginia are hotbeds for car accidents. Many of these roads see high levels of traffic, which stands to reason that a highly trafficked road would also see a higher number of crashes due to the density of vehicles, while others are dangerous for a number of other reasons.
If you have been involved in a car accident in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Curcio Law is ready to assist with your claim.
Vehicle Crashes in Virginia
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, there were more than 127,000 accidents on roads throughout the state in 2023. Those crashes resulted in nearly 64,000 injuries and more than 900 deaths. These crashes were primarily caused by speeding (25,274 crashes), distracted drivers (21,528 crashes), and alcohol (6,979 crashes). These are far from the only reasons an accident may occur, but these reckless and dangerous actions are key reasons why they happen so often.
But where do most of these accidents occur?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a database that pinpoints the location of each fatal crash in every state, and researchers have broken down the data points to better identify which stretches of road are the most dangerous to drivers. Some of the deadliest stretches of road in Virginia include:
- I-64 near Hampton
- Hull Street Rd. near Richmond
- Hampton Roads Beltway near Norfolk
- I-295 in Hanover County
- US-13 between Virginia Beach and Norfolk
- I-95 from Prince William County to Fairfax County
Roads can be more dangerous depending on a number of factors, including poor visibility, poor maintenance, bad weather causing additional hazards, and more. While avoiding using many of these dangerous roads may be impossible, understanding the risks before turning onto one can help you avoid unnecessary danger and keep yourself safe.
Unfortunately, many accidents are the direct result of someone else’s actions. While defensive driving techniques and following road laws can mitigate the risk, it’s impossible to completely eliminate every possible hazard.
If you were seriously injured in a car crash, you may be able to take legal action against the negligent driver. At Curcio Law, our Alexandria car accident lawyers are ready to provide you with the experienced and knowledgeable representation you need. With decades of experience, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands when you work with us. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our firm.
