The Most Dangerous Highways In and Around Worcester

Thousands of people in the Worcester area travel on highways daily to go to work, school, or other destinations. These routes in Worcester, MA may seem routine and familiar to locals, but unknown to those new to the area. Whatever the case, the reality is these highways can be dangerous, and all it takes is one negligent driver to change someone’s life.

Highway accidents are serious due to high speeds and less margin for error. If you’ve been involved in a highway crash, you may be dealing with an injury and the medical bills that follow. An experienced Worcester car accident attorney can help you move forward.

Why are highway accidents so dangerous?

High speeds play a huge role when it comes to the severity of a highway accident. Highways have a higher speed limit than streets and roads. When vehicles travel at these high speeds and are involved in a collision, the force of impact increases significantly. That’s why many highway crashes cause severe injuries and fatalities.

Highway driving can also result in fatigue, as motorists are often on the road for long stretches of time with few turns.

Another reason highway accidents are so dangerous is that they may involve multiple vehicles. Highways are often more congested with vehicles than streets and roads, so when two vehicles crash, there is a significant risk of a chain reaction. And at high speeds, it's more difficult to control your vehicle and avoid an accident.

What are the most dangerous highways in and around Worcester, MA?

Some of the highways in Central Mass have a reputation for being particularly dangerous. These highways include:

The Mass Pike

The Massachusetts Turnpike, also known as the Mass Pike, is a major highway that stretches 135 miles through Massachusetts, connecting Boston with the western part of the state. In the Worcester area, the Mass Pike has interchanges with I-84, I-290, I-395, and several state highways. The Mass Turnpike has seen its fair share of accidents due to heavy congestion year-round.

I-290

Interstate 290 runs from Auburn to Marlborough. It forms a loop in Worcester connecting the city to the Mass Pike. For people traveling to and from Worcester, I-290 is a major commuter route. So at peak hours of the day, traffic can be bumper-to-bumper, leading to aggressive driving, sudden lane changes, and other dangerous driving behaviors that increase the risk of accidents.

I-190

Interstate 190 carries around 70,000 vehicles every day. The highway runs through Worcester County and connects the city to Leominster. The presence of several interchanges and ramps makes I-190 hazardous, especially to drivers unfamiliar with the area. With the highway being hard to navigate, accidents from lane changes and merging are not uncommon.

I-495

Interstate 495 spans 121 miles through and around the Greater Boston Area. It is the second-largest auxiliary route in the Interstate Highway System and arguably the most dangerous highway in Massachusetts. Many accidents happen on I-495 at the on- and off-ramps. Traffic is constantly backed up, especially at the interchange with the Mass Pike. With the mixture of semi-trucks and big rigs passing through, I-495 has seen hundreds of accidents in the last few years, some resulting in fatalities.

Route 146

Route 146 is sometimes referred to as the Worcester-Providence Turnpike since the highway runs through the Rhode Island/Massachusetts State Line. The highway has its fair share of accidents and has gone through recent construction. Many accidents on Route 146 have been caused by poor drainage, putting drivers at risk of hydroplaning. In the winter, ice can be an additional hazard for drivers.

Safety tips for driving on the highway

Safety is the top priority when you get behind the wheel. Although you can’t control the behavior of other drivers, you can still do your part to try and reduce the risk of accidents. Whether you’re commuting or heading on a road trip, here are some safety tips to ensure a safe ride for you and your passengers.

Watch your speed. Speed limits can change when driving on the highway, so it is important to always know and follow the speed limits. Speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic deaths. It’s much easier to lose control of your vehicle at high speeds, so remember to watch your speed.
Maintain a safe following distance. Following too close to the driver in front of you is risky and unnecessary. If they hit their brakes suddenly, and you don’t have the time and space to stop, a rear-end accident is bound to happen. Leave at least three seconds of following distance, or more if you’re driving in inclement weather, behind a truck, behind a motorcycle, or entering or exiting the highway.
Be alert. Safe driving doesn’t involve distractions. Things like using your cell phone or eating take away your attention from the road. Even something as simple as changing the radio can cause an accident. Protect yourself and give driving your undivided attention.
Be aware of weather conditions. Weather in Massachusetts can be unpredictable. Rain, snow, sleet, ice, and fog make driving significantly more difficult. Plan ahead and give yourself extra time so you don’t have to drive too fast for the conditions. Maintain a safe following distance and take the reduced visibility into account when merging, exiting, or changing lanes.

Again, no matter how defensively you drive, you can’t control other motorists. If you’re hurt in an accident caused by another driver, you have rights. We can help.

How a car accident lawyer can help you after a highway crash

Highway accidents can end catastrophically. Many people suffer from serious injuries that need emergency medical attention. Make your health a priority and get checked by a doctor after your accident. Then as soon as you can, get in contact with an experienced Worcester car accident attorney.

The car accident attorney at the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone are committed to helping the injured in Worcester get the money they need and deserve. We know every car accident is unique, and we build an individual legal strategy for each client. We want to help our clients rebuild their lives. If you were injured in a highway accident in Worcester or the surrounding areas, contact us today and schedule a free case evaluation.

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