Roanoke Car Accident Lawyer, Paul Thomson predicts more delays, fatalities and injuries on I-81 this year. Read on for tips to protect yourself.
I-81 Truck Accidents: Delays
Roanoke’s stretch of I-81 has seen its share of accidents resulting in huge traffic delays, injuries and fatalities. Just this week, a vehicle fire at mile marker 142 closed the southbound right lane and shoulder. This caused a 5.5 mile backup. And 3 weeks ago, traffic was backed-up 2.2 miles due to a tractor trailer crash at mile marker 138. And again on June 4, 2021 a tractor trailer overturned on the highway, blocking all lanes of I-81 South at mile marker 138. This caused a six-mile back-up. Thankfully no injuries were reported from that accident. The list goes on….
I-81 Truck Accidents: Injuries and Fatalities
On April 27, 2021, a tractor-trailer driver died in a a single vehicle accident, presumably after falling asleep at the wheel and driving off of the road. On March 29, 2021, a Pennsylvania man died when the minivan he was driving was rear-ended and pushed into a Prevost bus. The victim’s wife was also injured in the crash. The family also lost their beloved dog for several days due to it being so scared by the accident it ran away. On January 21, 2021 a four-vehicle accident involving two semi-trucks and two passenger vehicles collided when one of the truck drivers failed to stop for slowing traffic and rear-ended both passenger vehicles one right after the other. One of the passenger vehicles spun out in the heavily traffic southbound lanes and the other was pushed into the other tractor trailer involved in the crash.
I-81 Truck Accidents: More to Come
Why are there so many car and truck accidents on I-81? I-81 is the main corridor for the transport of goods for Southwest Virginia. There are several distribution centers along the I-81 corridor and these centers are used to carry retail items to big box stores and homes. According to digital commerce 360, ecommerce grew 44% last year. Online shopping is here to stay and that has led to more trucks on the highways. Our current railway system wasn’t designed to support this type of need, so distributors are relying solely on semi-trucks and big box trucks to deliver products. Add to that, RV membership program, Harvest Hosts, reported that 76% of respondents to a survey administered in January reported that they would be traveling more than they did in 2020 or in 2019. Those same respondents said that they are not ready to fly and would avoid public restrooms and hotel rooms. And a whopping 81% revealed that they would not feel safe traveling internationally and will be staying in the US. So what does all of this mean? You guessed it, those same travelers will be taking to the interstates, adding further congestion to heavily traveled roads like I-81. Plus, if you noticed, this blog focused on a stretch of I-81 used by Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg and Botetourt area commuters. Many of those drivers are new to the area, as the Roanoke Valley is currently experiencing a population increase for the first time in twenty years.
I-81 Truck Accidents: Safe Driving Tips Around Big Rigs from a Car Accident Lawyer
Preventing an accident from happening is key to preventing serious injuries or fatalities. Always use safe driving behaviors such as:
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes prescription and over the counter drugs that inhibit reaction time or cause drowsiness.
- #Thinkaboutdriving. Distractions such as phone use, eating or drinking, and conversing with vehicles occupants should be avoided.
- Adjust speed to weather conditions. More accidents happen on wet roads than icy roads. Learn more about the risks of driving during rainstorms by clicking here.
- When possible, avoid dangerous stretches of highways altogether by choosing a different route. You can download an app like WAZE to your phone to help you monitor road conditions.
- Follow all posted speed limits. Use your turn signals. Maintain a safe following distance. Avoid lane-hopping, and maintain a consistent speed.
- Make safety features a top priority when purchasing a vehicle. Read more about available car safety features here.
How Can a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
Visitors to our Commonwealth come from all over the country. If you were an out of state traveler on I-81 and were involved in an I-81 car or truck accident, you will need the help of a car accident lawyer in the state where your accident occurred. Many of my clients are from points north such as New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. And others are from Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. For those clients, I offer teleconferencing options to minimize trips back to the area. I understand that you have been injured and are working to put your life back together. I will provide representation for you that allows you to focus on your recovery. Call today to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your case.
