Interstate 12 spans over 85 miles connecting Baton Rouge with I-10 and I-59 in Slidell. As one of the main thoroughfares in Louisiana, this highway helps commuters and visitors alike traverse the Bayou State. Unfortunately, many accidents occur on this road, with car accidents, bus accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents occurring regularly. In particular, 18-wheeler accidents can be especially dangerous due to the vehicles’ sheer size and weight. Let’s take a look at some statistics for 18-wheeler accidents on I-12.
How Many 18-wheeler Accidents Happen on I-12?
While the National Highway Safety Administration’s Fatal Accident and Reporting System (FARS) database publishes plenty of data on motor vehicle accidents, it does not report on the precise number of accidents by vehicle type and by interstate. However, we can look at other statistics to determine how dangerous and common 18-wheeler accidents are on I-12.
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen on I-12?
According to the FARS database, 17 fatal motor vehicle accidents happened on I-12 in 2021, resulting in 19 deaths. This is a small fraction of all 887 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the state, which resulted in 972 deaths.
Is Interstate 12 the Most Dangerous Road in Louisiana?
While all highways are inherently dangerous due to the large number of vehicles traveling at high speeds, some are more dangerous than others. In Louisiana, the most dangerous highway in 2021 was I-10 with 71 fatal crashes, which resulted in 75 casualties. This is a significantly higher number than any other interstate in Louisiana, as the second-deadliest interstate, I-49, only had 22 casualties in 2021.
Are 18-wheelers Dangerous?
Getting in an accident with an 18-wheeler can be fatal. According to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) at Louisiana State University, 8.2% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana in 2021 involved a large truck, a 1.2-point increase from 2020.
In 2021, there were 3,672 truck accidents on interstates in Louisiana. This represents about 8.7% of the state’s 42,065 total motor vehicle accidents, including fatal crashes, injury crashes, and property damage-only crashes.
What Makes 18-wheelers so Dangerous?
You probably already know that 18-wheelers — also known as big rigs — are massive vehicles that weigh tens of thousands of pounds. Unless you’re driving a vehicle of similar volume, this puts you at a significant disadvantage should you be involved in an accident with this vehicle.
According to CARTS, truck drivers and occupants represented only 2.2% of all motor vehicle fatalities in Louisiana in 2021. In comparison, drivers and occupants of passenger cars, light trucks, and vans represented 79.9% of all fatalities. If you drive one of these vehicles, getting involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler can be catastrophic.
What Are the Most Common Causes of 18-wheeler Accidents?
While sharing the road with a vehicle that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds can be dangerous in its own right, the reality is that many accidents involving 18-wheelers are fully preventable. These are some of the most common causes:
- Drunk driving: In 2021, alcohol was the cause of 367 fatal crashes in Louisiana, accounting for over 40% of all casualties.
- Drug-impaired driving: There were over 2,200 cases of drug-impaired driving in Louisiana in 2021 according to FMCSA.
- Distracted driving: According to the CARTS report, there were 53 fatal crashes in Louisiana as a direct result of distracted driving in 2021.
- Texting and driving: Texting while driving is a major cause of concern for Louisiana drivers. According to the CARTS report, 10 fatal crashes in Louisiana in 2021 were directly attributable to using a cell phone while driving.
Can I Sue if I’m in an 18-wheeler Accident on I-12?
If you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident on I-12, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. You may be able to seek compensation for any damages incurred because of the crash, including medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and more.
To pursue the compensation you need and deserve, you should contact a skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Louisiana. At Morris & Dewett, we have over 20 years of experience representing clients in some of the biggest civil lawsuits in the state. We will put our unrivaled experience behind you to help you maximize your chances of receiving full compensation for your losses. Call us today at (318) 221-1508 or email us to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Sources
Fatal Accident and Reporting System (FARS)
Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS)
