Photo of a Risky Road

Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Mobile

Driving is a risk you likely take every day, though when you’re traversing the most dangerous intersections and roads, your risk of a car accident increases. Even on less traveled roads, you still run the risk of serious injuries from a crash. Every Mobile driver should be aware of dangerous roads and take the proper steps to stay safe.

At Hedge Copeland, P.C., we represent victims in personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. This blog post provides information on the most dangerous roads and intersections in Mobile, the factors that make them more hazardous than other roadways, and how a car accident attorney can help if you are hurt in a serious crash caused by someone else.

Which Roads Are You More Likely to Have a Car Accident in Mobile, Alabama?

The most dangerous roads in the city often have busy intersections or require the need for sudden lane changes to navigate. Sharp turns are another hallmark of high-risk areas, particularly in rural areas.

While you may not be able to avoid driving on these roads, you should be more aware of which dangerous intersections are more prone to car accidents. Keeping this in mind when you need to use these roadways allows you to be more vigilant and potentially avoid a catastrophic crash with injuries.

Airport Boulevard and Azalea Road

Airport Boulevard and Azalea Road are busy intersections that are considered to be high-traffic areas. Vehicles travel in both directions, with even more during peak hours in the mornings and evenings. The combination of high traffic volumes and merging traffic patterns makes it an incredibly challenging area to navigate, which is why so many accidents occur here.

Airport Boulevard and University Boulevard

Airport Boulevard and University Boulevard are two of the most congested intersections in Mobile. Where these two major roadways meet, drivers must take extra care when approaching intersections here. There are also more trucks going through this area, making it rank high on the most dangerous roads in Mobile, Alabama, with the frequent occurrence of truck accidents.

Interstate 65 (I-65)

I-65 connects Mobile to Montgomery, Birmingham, and Huntsville, causing it to take on a high volume of traffic daily. Since it is prone to congestion, it makes it harder for drivers to maintain a safe distance. Coupled with its speed limit of 70 mph and a downward slope, it can create more high-risk driving conditions, especially in the presence of bad weather, which can cause drivers to lose control.

Cottage Hill Road and Hillcrest Road

Cottage Hill Road and Hillcrest Road intersect in one of Mobile’s busiest commercial areas. Traffic comes from four directions, making car accidents more likely.

What Makes Certain Mobile, Alabama Interstate Highways and Traffic Lights More Dangerous?

The short answer to dangerous intersections and accidents is that various factors may make drivers more vulnerable.

Poor Visibility

Poor visibility isn’t just a concern in foul weather. Certain conditions, such as sharp turns, overhanging trees that obscure stop signs or traffic lights, and other obstacles, may always be present on the road. Anything that limits visibility makes it harder for drivers to avoid collisions with other vehicles.

Congestion

Road conditions also become more dangerous when there are more vehicles in the area of these intersections. The likelihood of accidents statistically increases when there are more vehicles present in any location. Traffic congestion also means it is more likely you’ll encounter reckless drivers at these intersections, too.

Confusing Signage

Staying in the correct lane is essential for getting to your destination. However, when construction requires everything to merge into one lane or other warnings are not made clear, it can increase the prevalence of crashes on the streets and highways.

Road Hazards

The city of Mobile, Alabama, must keep motorists safe by taking care of the roads. When streets are riddled with potholes or have other issues, it can cause other drivers to swerve to avoid them, leading to increased crashes.

Weather Conditions

Whether you’re on one of Mobile’s most notorious roads for accidents or another stretch of road, crashes resulting in injuries can quickly occur when the weather turns inclement. Heavy fog may make it hard to notice a red light, while ice can cause drivers to slip and slide all over the road. Even though the weather is under no one’s control, drivers must be proactive to stay safe in the presence of these conditions, with or without traffic.

Photo of Traffic Cones

Safety Tips to Avoid Accidents in These Areas

Sometimes, crashes are unavoidable, though when you take the proper steps to protect yourself, you can significantly reduce your risk. Here is how you can do your part to avoid accidents and injuries:

Avoid Distracted Driving

Every driver must pay attention and follow traffic laws to uphold their duty of care to all other motorists. When you take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving, accidents are much more likely to occur.

Many people often use their cell phones to text, causing all three of these distraction categories simultaneously. Phones aren’t the only problem, though. Drivers can also be distracted by GPS, adjusting the stereo, talking to their passengers, or eating.

Watch Your Speed

The posted speed is intended to keep all motorists in Mobile, Alabama, safe. Even if you are going the right speed, always adjust accordingly as you approach intersections in the event you’ll need to stop. Additionally, speed posted on the signs may be too fast when rain, snow, fog, or ice are present. You should also adjust when these conditions are present, even if it means you need to drive slower than the speed limit.

Follow the Rules of the Road

The best chance you have to avoid being injured in accidents is to obey traffic rules. These rules were designed for safety and to prevent accidents. When changing lanes, use your turn signals to indicate your intentions. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of yours. Check your blind spots when changing lanes or merging to watch for other vehicles, especially motorcyclists. Taking these steps can help save a life, including your own!

The Importance of Consulting with a Lawyer After an Accident in Mobile, Alabama

Accidents that cause injuries in Mobile, Alabama, can change a victim’s life in the blink of an eye. If you were injured in this way, it is vital to speak with a lawyer regarding your accident and injuries.

Alabama is one of a few states to still use a contributory negligence model. While it is an at-fault state that allows the injured party to recover compensation from the at-fault party, the victim may be pinned with some of the blame. Contributory negligence bars anyone from recovering compensation if they even have 1% of the blame.

This makes the legal process even more complicated, and trying to handle it yourself could mean that you won’t receive any compensation for the injuries that someone else negligently caused you to suffer. The insurance company for the other driver will be working to fight against you, blaming you to avoid having to issue a payout.

When you have been left with painful injuries, mental impacts, and a mountain of expenses as a result of another person’s negligent driving actions on the roads of Alabama, it isn’t fair. At Hedge Copeland, P.C., we stand up for victims and prioritize their needs. If you have been injured in a crash in Mobile or another city in Alabama, contact us today for a free consultation.

We will examine your case details meticulously and collect the evidence needed to build a robust legal strategy as we advocate for your rights. While some roadways may be unavoidable, having the proper legal representation can protect you from being wrongly accused, especially when you select attorneys dedicated to fighting for injured victims.