Interstate travel is efficient and convenient. Drivers who can travel at higher speeds and follow the most direct route possible by planning a trip that prioritizes remaining on the interstate as much as possible.
During the summer months, those traveling on interstates across North Carolina either as daily commuters or as part of a planned vacation could be at risk of a tragic and preventable collision. Sections of I-40 recently reopened as part of the post-Helene repair process, and the interstate tends to see heavy traffic volume and a large number of crashes. The same is true of I-95. Despite the state committing to many projects intended to expand and improve I-95, crash risk is significant.
What do motorists need to know about traveling on the highway during the summer months?
Heavy traffic is particularly dangerous
Technically, people can end up involved in collisions on even the most rural roads. However, heavy traffic volumes tend to increase collision risk. The more drivers there are in close proximity to one another, the greater the potential that a small mistake could lead to a major incident.
Many people drive through North Carolina on their way to various vacation destinations. The summer months see an influx of tourist traffic. High speeds amplify this issue by creating the risk of worse injuries and secondary crashes after a collision occurs.
Drivers on I-95 and I-40 could end up involved in multi-vehicle collisions. Even if the crash only involves two vehicles, it might leave a vehicle unsafe to drive and put people in the hospital.
Large vehicles also amplify risk
Many of the people driving across North Carolina for vacation purposes may have recreational vehicles (RVs), large rented vans or SUVs. There are also many commercial trucks crisscrossing the state to supply the businesses catering to those tourists.
The unfortunate reality is that when a crash involves a larger vehicle, the smaller vehicle involved in the incident is at elevated risk. Motorists on I-95 and I-40 are vulnerable to collisions involving large vehicles that may cause more devastation than crashes between two smaller passenger vehicles.
Pursuing compensation can quickly become complex
Even in cases where the injured party may not originally be from North Carolina, they may need assistance from within the state as they pursue compensation for their injuries and property damage losses. They may need help filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Securing support from those familiar with North Carolina’s insurance rules and legal system can be beneficial. Summertime interstate car crashes have the potential to not just ruin a vacation but forever change circumstances for a family. Adequate compensation can help limit the long-term fallout caused by a wreck.
