While weather can be a culprit for some car accidents, a new study that used crash data from 2015 to 2019 revealed that I-25 in New Mexico was the most deadly road for driving in clear conditions, with a staggering 89% of the interstate’s fatal collisions taking place in clear and otherwise ideal weather.
There are a few particular reasons why I-25 is so dangerous, which include its high traffic volume, the mix of local and long-distance travelers, and the most important factor, which is drunk driving.
Here at Stewart + Harmonson in New Mexico, our lawyers have years of experience in this field. We’ve helped countless people who have suffered accident injuries due to the negligence of others, and we’re here to help you too. We have crafted this article to provide some tips on how to avoid car accidents while driving on I-25.
What is I-25 in New Mexico?
The I-25 is a major north-south Interstate in the western United States that runs through New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.
In New Mexico, the road begins at the I-10 exit in Las Cruces and travels north to Albuquerque before bending northeast toward Santa Fe. I-25 links up with US 85 for roughly 462 miles throughout the state before it enters Colorado.
I-25 is the third-longest interstate highway in the United States and has interchanges with US-380 and I-40, as well as numerous exits to city streets. It also serves as a major site for automobile accidents, many of which result in serious injuries and deaths in New Mexico.
Why is I-25 so dangerous in New Mexico?
From 2015 to 2019, there were 121 crashes and 129 fatalities on I-25, with most of them taking place in Bernalillo County. This is very serious as Bernalillo County contains Albuquerque, which is where the I-25 has some of its heaviest traffic. This high volume of traffic creates a lot of opportunities for accidents to occur.
State police have recently announced that they want to pay more attention to aggressive driving on I-25. That means keeping an eye out for people with road rage and catching speeders, but police may also be looking to keep drunk drivers off I-25—a problem that has plagued the heavily traveled roadway in the past.
Another reason I-25 is dangerous is because it’s a mix of local and long-distance travelers. Local travelers are more likely to be familiar with the road and its conditions, while long-distance travelers may not be as familiar and could be more likely to make mistakes.
This is especially true for those driving through New Mexico for the first time. The state’s landscape can be deceiving, and drivers may not realize how long it will take to get from one point to another. This can lead to impatient or reckless driving, which can increase the chances of an accident.
This is why it’s imperative to contact a lawyer from Stewart + Harmonson if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident on I-25. We have the experience and knowledge to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Drunk driving on I-25 in New Mexico
One of the biggest dangers on I-25 is drunk driving. In fact, studies show that drunk driving was responsible for 23% of all fatalities on I-25 from 2015 to 2019.
This is a huge problem, and it’s one that state police are trying to address. But it’s not an easy task. Even though there are checkpoints set up along the road, it’s still easy for drivers to get behind the wheel after drinking too much.
There are a few things that our attorneys at Stewart + Harmonson recommend that you can do to avoid being in a car accident with a drunk driver.
- Be aware of your surroundings: First, always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for erratic driving. If you see someone driving recklessly, stay far away from them.
- Don’t drink and drive: Second, don’t drink and drive. This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember that even if you’re not the one drinking, you could still be put in danger by a drunk driver. If you’re going to be drinking, make sure you have a designated driver or take public transportation.
- Report drunk drivers: Finally, if you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to report them to the police. It could save lives.
Contact Stewart + Harmonson Today
If you are involved in an accident on I-25, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages that you have suffered. At Stewart + Harmonson, we know how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident. That is why we are here to help you every step of the way. We have years of experience dealing with these types of cases in New Mexico, and we know what it takes to get you the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.
