Interstate 71 is an essential highway that connects Louisville, Kentucky, to Cincinnati, Ohio. However, a new ValuePenguin analysis has identified Interstate 71 as one of the country’s most dangerous roads.
Based on fatalities and fatal crash data from 2015 to 2019, the study ranked the 100 worst roads in the United States. Kentucky’s portion of Interstate 71 came in at number sixteen, with 173 fatalities in 156 fatal crashes.
What’s the Cause of Interstate 71’s High Fatality Rate?
The following are some of the elements that raise the likelihood of fatal accidents on Interstate 71:
Heavy Traffic: There is a steady stream of traffic on Interstate 71, which accommodates a large number of truck drivers, tourists, and daily commuters. There are more cars on the road, which increases the risk of collisions, especially on holidays or during rush hour.
Speeding: On Interstate 71, excessive speeding is a common problem that reduces drivers’ reaction times and intensifies crash severity. Even though most parts have a declared speed limit of 70 mph, some vehicles go beyond 90 mph.
Distracted Driving: Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, eating, or fiddling with the radio, distracted driving on Interstate 71 frequently results in fatal crashes. Errors are more likely to occur when drivers are not paying attention to the road and other cars.
Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle on Interstate 71 while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious issue. In Kentucky, alcohol was implicated in 26% of fatal crashes in 2019 and drugs in 16% of them.·. The danger of collisions is increased when drivers are impaired because they have poor judgment, poor coordination, and impaired vision.
Road Conditions: There are stretches of Interstate 71 that are poorly designed, poorly maintained, or both. These problems increase the likelihood of an accident by affecting sight, traction, and vehicle maneuverability. For example, in 2018 a landslide in Sparta damaged a section of Interstate 71, causing it to close for hours.
How Can Interstate 71 Safety Be Assured?
Even while many risk variables are out of a driver’s control, there are a few things they may do to lessen the likelihood of deadly collisions on Interstate 71:
Respect Speed Limits: One of the most important ways to minimize avoidable accidents is to abide by the official speed limit and modify your speed according to traffic, weather, and road conditions.
Reduce Distractions: To ensure focus on driving and the environment, drivers should abstain from activities that take their attention away from the road, such as using phones, eating, or drinking.
Prevent Impaired Driving: It is forbidden for drivers to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Prudent options include making advance plans, choosing a sober driver, using ride-sharing services, or requesting a taxi.
Wear seat belts: In the event of an accident, seat belts are a useful tool for preventing or reducing injuries and fatalities. Both drivers and passengers should always use their seat belts and buckle them securely.
Drive Defensively: Using defensive driving strategies improves overall road safety. These strategies include remaining aware, careful, and polite, keeping a safe distance, indicating intentions, scanning blind spots, and anticipating risks.
An essential route connecting Ohio’s and Kentucky’s largest cities is Interstate 71. It is convenient, but it comes with risks that have killed many people. In order to protect both themselves and other road users, drivers using Interstate 71 should be aware of these risks and take appropriate safety measures. Drivers help create a safer environment on Interstate 71 for everyone by following the safety standards mentioned above.
