Most Dangerous Roads for Commercial Truck Accidents in North Carolina (2024)

North Carolina has much to offer, but its roads can be particularly hazardous. When an accident involves a large commercial truck, anyone caught in that wreck could experience serious or potentially grave injuries. To help the state’s residents stay safe, it is critical to examine the most dangerous roads for commercial truck accidents in North Carolina.

Roads With the Most Dangerous Records of Commercial Truck Accidents in North Carolina

A 2022 study identified the most dangerous roads in North Carolina by analyzing factors like crash frequency and fatalities. In Charlotte, I-85 between Exits 36 and 41 saw 39 crashes and 42 deaths, while I-77 between Remount Road and Exit 13A recorded 34 crashes and 38 fatalities.

Asheville’s I-240, between Exits 1B and 6, reported 27 crashes and an equal number of deaths. Rocky Mount’s I-95, stretching from State Road 1603 to Exit 138, saw 24 crashes and 31 fatalities. Gastonia’s section of I-85 between Exits 14 and 19 reported 21 fatal crashes, each resulting in a death. Covering nearly 20 years (2000–2019), this study also highlighted highways I-40 and I-95 as particularly hazardous routes for semi-truck accidents.

Overall crashes are up from 272,746 in 2022 to 284,157 in 2023. Fatal car crashes are slightly down, from 1,647 in 2022 to 1,565 in 2023. Six-tire trucks were involved in 5,365 crashes and 1,266 collisions that resulted in injuries in 2023. Semi-trailers were involved in 4,839 collisions, with 1,012 collisions leading to injuries over the same time period.

Top Contributors to Truck-Related Collisions

Many of the same factors that lead to car collisions can also cause commercial truck collisions. Speed has a leading role in many truck-related crashes. When a semi-truck is driving too quickly, the large vehicle may not be able to slow down in time to avoid a crash. High speeds also make maneuverability more difficult. This is why commercial truck drivers should always drive at safe speeds when on the road.

Driver fatigue can also contribute to causing a truck accident. Truck drivers are often tasked with driving for long hours on their routes. They can become fatigued, which can increase the chances that they do not react in time to avoid an accident or cause a collision due to their slow reaction time.

North Carolina’s rural roads, often narrow with sharp curves, add additional challenges for truck drivers, particularly when combined with adverse weather. Blind spots, or “no-zones,” also contribute significantly to collisions, as trucks have large areas where the driver’s view is limited. When other vehicles linger in these blind spots, the chance of an accident rises if the truck driver changes lanes without seeing them.

Tips for Avoiding Collisions With a Commercial Truck

Staying safe around commercial trucks on North Carolina’s highways and roads requires understanding the unique limitations of semi-trucks. First, avoid lingering in a truck’s blind spots. These “no-zones” include areas along the sides, directly behind, and in front of the truck. If you can’t see the truck driver’s mirrors, assume they can’t see you and pass swiftly to avoid staying in these zones.

Maintaining a safe distance behind a commercial truck is also crucial because trucks may brake suddenly. Always signal clearly when merging or changing lanes. Trucks need that extra reaction time to maneuver safely.

Also, avoid cutting off a truck, especially in heavy traffic or in situations where traffic speeds are high. Trucks cannot break as quickly as smaller vehicles, so cutting in abruptly increases the risk of a rear-end collision.

Be patient around trucks, particularly on inclines, where their speed may decrease.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Dangerous Road for Truckers in NC?

A: In North Carolina, I-40 and I-95 are among the most dangerous roads for truckers, with high rates of semi-truck accidents. I-95, in particular, has sections — such as those around Rocky Mount — that report frequent and fatal crashes. These highways pose significant risks due to high traffic volumes and stretches of road known for serious collisions.

Q: What Is the Deadliest Road in North Carolina?

A: The deadliest road in North Carolina is a stretch of I-85 in Charlotte, specifically between Exits 36 and 41. This segment reported 39 crashes resulting in 42 fatalities over nearly two decades. The high rate of fatal accidents makes it one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the state. This underscores the need for extra caution and awareness when traveling through this area.

Q: What Are the Most Dangerous Areas Around a Truck?

A: The most dangerous areas around any large truck are its blind spots. These refer to the areas generally to the right and left of the back of the trailer. Truck drivers have a difficult time seeing when a vehicle is in this area. Because they may not see cars in their blind spots, trucks are more likely to change lanes without knowing there are vehicles in these areas.

Q: What Type of Road Has the Most Fatal Accidents?

A: Rural roads tend to see more fatal accidents, although they have less traffic per square mile than highways. Contributing factors include higher speed limits, sharp curves, limited lighting, and fewer safety barriers. Rural roads are also more isolated, which can greatly increase the time it takes for an ambulance and police to reach the crash site.

Schedule Your Commercial Truck Accident Consultation Today

Commercial trucks can cause serious injuries. If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligence of a commercial truck driver, you can hire our attorney to review your case and pursue compensation on your behalf. Compensation can cover your injuries, lost wages, and other financial losses you suffered as a result of the car collision.

At the Tatum Law Firm, PLLC, we take pride in putting the interests of our clients first. We have helped many injured drivers and passengers seek the compensation they are owed.

Take the first step toward holding the at-fault party accountable for the injury they caused. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.