We already know that Maryland owns the distinction of being the state with the most car accidents. Here, we’re going to look at the three biggest contributors to the staggering number of auto accidents that occur in the state. If you live in Maryland or frequently travel throughout the area, you won’t be surprised which roads top the list of the most dangerous and deadly in Maryland.
Route 210
Running from Potomac Avenue in Indian Head north to the Washington, DC border in Forest Heights (where the highway continues into the District as South Capitol Street), Route 210 has earned its reputation as among the deadliest in the state. Also known as Indian Head Highway, Route 210 is a largely straight highway that’s seemingly always under construction. It’s also been the scene of dozens of deaths over the past decade. AAA says speeding is a significant problem on the road. Between January and mid-September of 2020, 414 drivers were caught by speed cameras traveling over 100 miles an hour (one at 143 mph, another at 161 mph). Nearly 500 drivers were caught going over 90 mph, and another 1,400 were clocked at over 80 mph. Since 2010, there have reportedly been 45 fatalities due to 39 fatal car accidents on Route 210. “When you travel Indian Head Highway, you’re taking your life, literally, into your own hands,” said John Townsend of AAA Mid-Atlantic.
Interstate 95
If you’re a regular along I-95, you probably experience a physical reaction at the mere mention of the highway. Stretching down the east coast from Maine to Miami, I-95 is a headache to drive. Between construction, congestion, and accidents, I-95 consistently ranks among the worst roads in the country. But it’s also one of the deadliest. In 2019, I-95 was the deadliest highway in the U.S., accounting for 284 deaths and 14.88 fatalities per 100 miles traveled. In 2020, the numbers were even worse: 379 fatalities and 19.7 deaths per 100 miles traveled. In Maryland, it’s one of the busiest highways in Maryland, which runs 109 miles between Washington, DC/Virginia at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and Maryland’s border with Delaware. It is also the longest interstate highway in Maryland, ensuring it sees its fair share of accidents and fatalities.
Interstate 97
It may be one of the shortest interstates in America (it’s only 17.62 miles), but I-97, which runs from Annapolis to Baltimore, is still one of the most dangerous highways in Maryland. In fact, it made one publication’s list as the 30th most dangerous road in the entire country, thanks to a high fatality rate–0.79 fatalities per mile. If you’ve driven along 97, you’re well aware of what a nightmare it can be, thanks to speeding vehicles and tons of exits that encourage plenty of on/off merges.
If You or a Loved One Are Involved in a Car Accident…
- Gather evidence, if you’re able, such as pictures with your phone; if not, perhaps someone at the scene can. If you believe another vehicle was at fault, try to obtain an eyewitness statement. Call the police as well, so they can record an official accident report.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you think the injury is minor. You never know what’s happening within your body. Getting checked immediately by an ambulance is the best scenario, especially for a serious injury–if you’re not taken by ambulance, go to an emergency room or your doctor as soon as possible. It’s essential to keep your diagnosis and medical records.
- Call the Maryland auto accident attorneys at The Lapidus Law Firm.
We have decades of experience litigating personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits and will work to ensure the negligent party is held accountable. In the event of an accident, call us at (202) 785-5111 or (301) 852-7500 for a free, no-obligation consultation. And don’t forget… we are committed to making justice work for you.
Written By Larry Lapidus