The I-80 Expressway in New Jersey is a notorious stretch of road, and for good reason. If you are familiar with it, you know it is a major highway that runs through some pretty busy areas. And while it is vital for connecting the East Coast to the West Coast – it comes with a dangerous reputation.
In fact, this highway has earned its place as one of the deadliest in the country – particularly when it comes to auto accidents. Many New Jersey car accident lawyers already warn about this.
So why is this road so hazardous? Well, there are several factors at play and we will discuss them in detail.
But before that, remember one thing – if you are ever involved in an accident on I-80 or anywhere else in the state – it is important to speak to New Jersey personal injury lawyers who know how to handle these cases.
The deadly trend on I-80
Interstate 80, also known as I-80 – is a major east-west highway that stretches all the way from Teaneck, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California. It is the second longest interstate in the U.S., and while it serves a vital role in our transportation system – it also has a dark side.
Statistically, I-80 in New Jersey ranks as the ninth deadliest road in the country – based on fatalities per 100 miles.
There is an average of 1.88 crashes every day on this expressway. It is higher than the national average of one crash per day. In some sections of the highway – the crash rate can be as high as 6.64 crashes per day.
Moreover, between 2001 and 2016 – there were nine rockfall incidents on I-80 – one of which resulted in a fatality.
And the problems are not slowing down – if anything, they are only getting worse.
It is not just regular car accidents we are talking about here. I-80 sees a high number of accidents involving cars and large commercial trucks – which are notoriously dangerous.
New Jersey car accident lawyers warn that these accidents are happening with frightening regularity. In fact – I-80 averages about one truck crash every single day. The fact that these numbers have been rising over the years makes this highway even more concerning for anyone who drives there regularly.
High traffic volume and poor road conditions
Part of what makes I-80 so dangerous in New Jersey is the sheer amount of traffic that passes through it. It is one of the busiest roads in the state – and with all that traffic comes wear and tear on the road itself. The population density around the areas where I-80 runs only adds to the pressure on the highway. While the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has tried to limit local access to help reduce congestion – the road still sees a massive volume of cars and trucks.
The weather does not help either. New Jersey has a tough climate with harsh winters that cause road conditions to deteriorate quickly. The constant construction to fix and upgrade the road makes things even worse – as it adds more potential for accidents – especially when drivers are not expecting sudden lane closures or detours. The ongoing construction in some areas has earned this stretch of road the title of having some of the worst road conditions in the state.
The problem with signage
There is also the issue of signage. A few years back – NJDOT conducted a study that showed the signage along I-80 was a big part of the problem. Drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the area – were getting confused by unclear or insufficient signage.
In fact – it was one of the leading causes of accidents on the highway. Since then – the state has worked to update the signage – making it clearer and easier to follow. But it is hard to say whether this has made a significant impact yet – especially when you consider that I-80 is still seeing accidents at such a high rate.
Remember, if you ever get into any type of accident on this highway – it is best to let a New Jersey car accident lawyer handle your case.
The state’s safety plan
New Jersey has been trying to tackle the issue of accidents on I-80 with a Strategic Highway Safety Plan. This plan – which started in 2020 – focuses on improving road conditions – enhancing driver education – and increasing enforcement to prevent accidents.
One of the key aspects of the plan includes adding more safety features to the road. This should hopefully reduce the number of fatalities in the future. But for now – it is clear that these efforts have not made a huge difference yet – especially when you look at the troubling statistics.
Rising accidents, especially truck crashes
There has been a disturbing trend in recent years where commercial truck accidents on I-80 have been getting worse. These are not just minor fender-benders; we are talking about horrific crashes that often result in fatalities.
One of the most notable accidents involved a truck driver who drove off an overpass – while another involved a deadly multi-truck collision that took multiple lives. And these are just a few examples. If you are driving near large commercial trucks on I-80 – it is essential to be cautious.
And if you ever get into an accident, contact a New Jersey car accident lawyer to help you with the next steps.
Road improvements and construction
To try and combat some of these issues – New Jersey is in the process of evaluating I-80 and implementing more improvements. The state has plans to add more lanes in the east – where traffic congestion is particularly bad.
But like with any construction project – these improvements come with their own set of challenges. Lane closures and roadwork will only add to the difficulties drivers face in dealing with this already dangerous stretch of road.
For those who travel on I-80 – staying safe means staying informed. There are tools online that can help you track road conditions, accidents, and closures. It is always a good idea to check ahead before hitting the road. And while the speed limit is 65 mph in most areas – remember that it drops in more congested spots or around curves. Always stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared for sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
What you can do to stay safe
It is important to be vigilant when driving on I-80. If you are in a situation where you are being tailgated by a truck – the best thing you can do is move to the right and let the truck pass. Sometimes, it is worth pulling over to the side of the road if necessary.
If you find yourself in an accident on I-80 or anywhere in New Jersey – you need to get in touch with a New Jersey car accident lawyer. They can help you deal with the legal process and make sure that you get the justice you deserve.
Given the dangerous nature of I-80 – it is always a good idea to have a legal expert on your side. Whether it is a car crash or a truck accident – having a New Jersey car accident lawyer can make a huge difference in your case.