Savannah, Georgia is the state’s fifth-largest city, with a population of just over 147,000 people and a booming tourist industry. High traffic is common in many areas, including Abercom Street, West 37th Street and many others.
Personal injury claims come with the territory of dangerous roads.
If you’re visiting the city or live there, knowing which roads are most dangerous will help you avoid them or, at the very least, practice defensive driving to reduce your risk of an accident.
1. Abercorn Street and White Bluff Road
The intersection of Abercorn Street and White Bluff Road is one of the most dangerous in the city. A seven year study of the intersection found that it had 90 more crashes than the second most dangerous in the city.
Car accidents are high in the area, but so are:
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
Congestion in the area is a main contributor to the higher volume of accidents. At rush hour, bumper-to-bumper traffic leads to aggressive drivers and accidents. Add in crosswalks, fast food establishments and restaurants and shopping plazas, and it’s easy to see why so many accidents occur here.
Motorists running red lights and switching lanes without signaling are two additional contributing factors that you need to be concerned about.
2. Victory Drive and Skidaway Road
High-speed traffic, multiple turning lanes and a lack of adequate sidewalks all contribute to the high car accident rate along Victory Drive and Skidaway Road. Traffic comes over the bridge from Thunderbolt and all end up between these two roads.
Adding to the traffic, the intersection is home to shopping malls, coffee shops, fast food restaurants and other retailers, all of which contribute to the accidents and congestion in this area.
Unfortunately, this intersection has seen several pedestrian accidents in recent years. Drivers and pedestrians alike should exercise extreme caution when approaching this area or crossing the street.
3. DeRenne Avenue and Waters Avenue
With six-lane roads on one side and five-lane roads on the other, traffic at the intersection of DeRenne Avenue and Waters Avenue can be chaotic. During rush hour, this area can be especially congested. Complex traffic lights can also cause confusion and increase the risk of a collision.
The area also sees traffic from nearby schools and medical facilities, adding to the danger and traffic mayhem.
Accidents here can be especially serious if multiple cars and injuries are involved, requiring the help of an experienced Savannah car accident attorney to navigate the legal system.
4. Montgomery Street and West 37th Street
The intersection of Montgomery Street and West 37th is situated near the busy historic district, which sees plenty of tourist and local traffic. The roads here are narrow, and traffic comes from all directions. Limited visibility and numerous pedestrians make this intersection especially dangerous.
Drivers frequently come to sudden stops as they navigate complicated traffic lights and multiple commercial areas.
5. Ogeechee Road and Chatham Parkway
The intersection of Ogeechee Road and Chatham Parkway is a major access point to the city’s industrial and commercial areas. Naturally, this area sees high volumes of commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Drivers have to navigate multiple lanes, high-speed traffic and poor visibility.
Busy shopping malls and fast food restaurants increase the risk of collisions as drivers make their way in and out of the parking lots.
6. King George and Abercorn
A notorious intersection in Savannah known for its narrow lanes, high construction activity and numerous distractions.
Multi-vehicle collisions are common here, and this intersection ranks among the highest in the state for accidents.
In 2018, traffic at King George and Abercorn came to a standstill when a sewage truck caught fire after the driver lost control of the truck and hit the center median.
7. Lynes Parkway
Also known as I-516, Lynes Parkway is a high-speed road with multiple lanes, which is a recipe for deadly accidents. It provides motorists with access to several commercial areas within Savannah, which adds to the congestion and danger of this roadway.
Drivers must be extra cautious when navigating this road and should adhere to the posted speed limit to reduce the risk of a fatal accident.
Why are Some Intersections So Dangerous in Savannah?
Some intersections in Savannah are more dangerous than others for a number of reasons, including:
Heavy Traffic
Accidents are more common in heavily trafficked areas. Congestion creates more opportunities for collisions, and when drivers are new to the area, confusion and distractions can make accidents even more likely.
All it takes is one vehicle to stop short in traffic for a rear-end collision to occur. Sideswipes are also common in heavily trafficked areas where vehicles are weaving in and out of traffic.
In Savannah, heavy traffic is especially problematic. The city’s population continues to grow at a record pace, but the roads were designed to accommodate the populations of the 1980s and 1990s.
Complicated Intersections
The intersections in Savannah’s commercial areas can be complicated. Drivers who are unfamiliar with the area may find it difficult to navigate the traffic patterns in some areas of the city.
Unfortunately, the most confusing intersections also happen to be in high-traffic areas. For example, the intersection near Oglethorpe Mall can be especially confusing. The area is crowded, traffic is coming from all directions, and the lane markers aren’t always clear.
Accidents at complex intersections can be especially dangerous and cause serious injuries that require the help of a personal injury attorney.
Poorly Designed Roadways
Like many other old cities in the United States, Savannah has several areas where poor roadway design contributes to accidents. In areas with narrow lanes, for example, it’s harder to avoid oncoming traffic.
Complicated traffic patterns, which are commonly found at intersections in Savannah, can make it more challenging to navigate roadways and traffic lights safely.
Like any other city, some roads in Savannah are more dangerous than others. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact us to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney in Savannah, Georgia.