Anyone who has driven anywhere near New York City knows how challenging it is to get anywhere in a vehicle. That congestion is exacerbated by the trucks trying to maneuver through.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released its annual list of the worst bottlenecks for trucks in the country. New York has six roadways making the top 100.
Bottlenecks require drivers to be extra vigilant or the risk of an accident goes up. If you are injured in an accident because the truck driver was fatigued, distracted, or impaired, you might have the right to compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
Top Spots for Roadway Congestion
New York on a list for road congestion is not a surprise, but some might be shocked that we are not in the top 10.
There are six New York truck bottlenecks. Here they are and their position on the list:
- Rye, NY: I-95 at I-287 (#17)
- Brooklyn, NY: I-278 at Belt Parkway (#20)
- Queens, NY: I-495 (#31)
- Bronx, NY: I-678 (#39)
- Manhasset, NY: I-495 at Shelter Rock Road (#73)
- Nyack, NY: I-287 (#74)
The No. 1 worst roadway for truck congestion is in neighboring New Jersey at I-95 and SR 4 in Fort Lee. Other locations in the top 10 are Cincinnati, OH; Houston, TX; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Dallas, TX; San Bernardino, CA; and Chattanooga, TN.
The list was based on truck GPS data. ATRI sets a free-flow speed at more than 300 locations and compares that speed with average truck speed. The bigger the deviation between the two speeds, the more congestion is present.
According to the institute’s new release, “The information provided through this effort empowers decision-making in both the private and public sectors by helping stakeholders better understand the severity of congestion and mobility constraints on the U.S. highway transportation system.”
Increased Danger of Truck Accidents
The sheer size of trucks can cause disastrous injuries when they collide with much smaller passenger vehicles. Even in lower-speed accidents, severe injuries and death are possible.
According to the National Safety Council, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes has increased 43% since 2010. Almost three-fourths of deaths are occupants of other vehicles, not the big rigs. About 16% of the fatalities are occupants in the truck and 15% are pedestrians. Nearly half of all truck occupant deaths occurred in accidents in which their vehicles rolled over.
Size is not the only reason that trucks are involved in deadly and disfiguring accidents:
- Trucks are taller with greater ground clearance.
- Trucks weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles.
- Loaded tractor-trailers take up to 40% longer than cars to stop.
- Truck drivers are allowed to drive up to 11 hours straight, possibly causing fatigue.
Most truck accidents occur on interstates, freeways, and other major roads.
The Cost of All Motor Vehicle Accidents
When looking at all crashes (not just trucks), motor vehicle traffic injuries are the fourth-leading cause of injury-related death in Nassau County and the second-leading cause for emergency room visits.
According to the New York Department of Health, the magnitude of vehicle accidents is immense.
Every month an average of:
- 7 Nassau County residents die
- 111 Nassau County residents are hospitalized
- 1,028 Nassau County residents were treated in the emergency department
Hospital charges reach almost $78 million annually, followed by $40 million in emergency department charges.
Fighting for Truck Accident Victims
If you are injured in a truck accident, your priority is to seek medical attention. Some injuries don’t present immediately, so go to an emergency department or hospital to be thoroughly evaluated. Soon afterward, call the legal team at Collins Gann McCloskey & Barry PLLC to talk about your legal rights.
If the accident was caused by someone else’s carelessness or recklessness, you might have solid grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. We can evaluate your case in a free consultation. If we believe you have a case, you can count on an aggressive strategy to seek the highest possible compensation.
We can skillfully negotiate with insurance companies and responsible parties. When needed, we stand ready to zealously argue your case before the judge and jurors.
To schedule your initial consultation, call us (516) 218-5131 at or submit our online form.
