Recent Study Finds US 550 in New Mexico to be State’s Deadliest
According to government traffic data, US 550 may be the deadliest road in New Mexico. Residents of New Mexico know this, as US 550 has a high speed limit and a narrow median separating the two southbound and two northbound lanes. This route is used by people traveling north in New Mexico, including large trucking companies.
Unfortunately, New Mexico personal injury lawyers also know how deadly US 550 is and can be to motorists. Here at Caruso Law Offices, we have handled many motor vehicle accidents occurring on US 550 resulting in the wrongful death of many innocent people. If you or a loved one were seriously injured or killed on US 550, call us today for a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 883-5000. We can help protect your rights to the maximum amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
Trucks on US 550 Kill Families: The “Killing Zone”
Recently the Santa Fe New Mexican ran an article about two families who were killed on US 550 by large commercial trucks. Last month, the Crawford family of Aztec, New Mexico were headed to Albuquerque, New Mexico on US 550 to watch their sons play soccer. The mother, father, and two children never made it to the game because a large commercial truck crossed over the median and hit them head-on. They all suffered serious fatalities in New Mexico.
This recent accident is similar to the Miller accident years earlier, where the mother, father, and two children were killed on US 550 on their way back from a Texas family vacation. Also in that case, a large commercial truck crossed the centerline and struck them head-on, killing all the family members in the car.
According to the newspaper, some patrolmen refer to US 550 anywhere from San Ysidro, New Mexico north is a “killing zone” due to all of the traffic accidents. This specifically refers to trucking accidents, which are coming from Albuquerque which is a major hub for trucking companies delivering cargo throughout the country.
Interestingly, under Interstate 40 in New Mexico had more fatal motor vehicle accidents per mile than US 550. But it is important to know that Interstate 40 handles more than twice the number of vehicles than US 550.
Common Causes of US 550 Crashes
According to studies, a majority of those motor vehicle accidents include cases where the car in the other lane crosses the median and into the oncoming lane. Some believe that the road was constructed poorly and that cable medians are needed because research has shown them to be approximately 90% effective at preventing traffic from crossing into the oncoming lane. Other believe the speed limit is too high for that roadway to begin with.
Others believe that it is driver error which is the problem. Many of the motor vehicle accidents in Albuquerque have involved drugs or alcohol. Some trucking accidents have been caused by a fatigued driver. Other accidents are caused by drivers speeding above the limit. Some accidents have been caused by a combination of these actions, which is even worse.
Loved one Injured or Killed on US 550? Call Us Now
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the experienced New Mexico car accident attorneys today. You can also contact us on our website to schedule a free consultation.