A stretch of highway on Interstate 16 that runs from Macon to Savannah has been labeled by some as the Devil’s Highway. Claiming the lives of 28 people in car accidents in 2015, it is considered one of the deadliest roads in Georgia.
A mix of local traffic, tourists heading to Savannah, and commercial trucks are just some of the reasons locals cite for such turmoil on the highway. So how does one navigate this stretch safely?
In a 2021 Facebook post in which a local news outlet was reporting on a fatal four-vehicle crash in Bulloch County, the Georgia Department of Public Safety urged drivers not to become complacent on this highway now notorious for fiery crashes, injuries, and congestion.
Here are some common causes of crashes on this stretch of road:
Distracted drivers: According to the 2019 Georgia Traffic Safety Facts released by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), 56 percent of all motor vehicle traffic crashes had at least one confirmed or suspected distracted driver. Drivers ages 25 to 35 received the most traffic citations following a crash, according to the report.
Tailgating: With 417,062 people injured and 2,428 people killed in rear-end crashes in 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration implores drivers to pay attention and stop tailgating. When traffic snarls occur on I-16, some of the worst accidents have involved tractor-trailers plowing into stopped traffic. These tractor-trailer drivers are required not to follow the car in front of them too closely.
Speed: With speed being a factor in 20 percent of fatal crashes in Georgia in 2021 according to the GOHS safety data. Vehicles weaving in and out of traffic, slamming on their brakes, and “gunning it” to get around traffic cause pile-ups and head-on collisions when they lose control of their vehicle.
Construction and work zones: The GOHS reports there were 62 fatalities in Georgia road work zones in 2023. With roadway departures and rear-end crashes accounting for 53 percent of work zone crashes, these areas are particularly dangerous. Sometimes these work zones do not have the protections in place that they are required to have by contract, making them even more dangerous. In that scenario, there may be a claim against the contractor who failed to make the zone safe.
Tractor-trailers: Savannah is a port city, which means they have a huge amount of tractor-trailer traffic. With 12 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state involving trucks, big rigs have a big reputation for destruction and an even bigger footprint on public roadways. Truck drivers drive long hours and are often fatigued and overworked. We obtain their hours-of-service electronic logs to verify this and their training materials. It is important that good truck drivers be given the tools they need from their employers to avoid causing crashes. When trucking companies fail to give their drivers the right safety tools, deaths happen.
The Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Know the Law and Are Ready to Help with Your Accident
If you find yourself locking bumpers with another vehicle on I-16, talk to the Savannah car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. For a free consultation, fill out our online form or call 478-254-2007. Located in Macon, Georgia, the firm proudly serves clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.
The Help You Need Can Be Found at Childers & McCain
Facing the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Before you speak with the insurance companies, make sure you schedule a free consultation with the Macon personal injury lawyers at Childers & McCain. We can protect your rights while anticipating the insurance company’s tactics to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this tough road alone – let our team of professionals help you move forward.
