Mitchell | March 29, 2021 | Car Accidents

Alabama has several dangerous roads throughout the state. However, only one road in Alabama is known as the “Highway to Hell.” U.S. Highway 431 is ranked as one of the most dangerous roads in the world.

U.S. Highway 431 – One of the Deadliest Roads in the Country

U.S. Highway 431 runs through Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky. This stretch of road through Alabama consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. It is also one of the deadliest roads in the United States.

As you drive along U.S. Highway 431, you see numerous crosses and memorials created by people who have lost loved ones or family members in traffic accidents. Even though the Alabama Department of Transportation has taken steps to make Highway 431 safer for motorists, it continues to rank high on lists of dangerous roads.

What Makes U.S. Highway 431 Dangerous?

Several factors make the highway dangerous for motorists:

  • Many parts of U.S. Highway 431 are curvy, which can increase the risk of an accident.
  • The highway is 566 miles long, stretching from Kentucky to Dothan, AL.
  • There is poor visibility throughout much of the highway.
  • U.S. Hwy. 431 runs through many small towns and cities. Speed limits decrease, but many motorists continue to drive at high speeds. Local traffic can also be an issue in some areas.
  • The highway switches from two lanes to four lanes and back to two lanes in many places. One stretch of Hwy. 431 through Eufala is one lane.
  • Many stretches of Hwy. 431 do not have sufficient police patrols, which encourage many drivers to speed and drive aggressively. 

Incidentally, the road is heavily traveled as a route to the coast. Sadly, many people do not arrive at their destination because of a highway accident. 

How Can You Avoid a Highway Accident?

Highway accidents can be deadly. They cause catastrophic injuries because of the high rates of speed and the risk of multi-vehicle and semi-truck accidents. 

You can reduce your risk of a highway accident by following these safe driving tips:

  • Always follow all posted speed limits
  • Reduce speed in heavy traffic and during poor weather conditions
  • Avoid distractions while driving
  • Reduce speed when approaching a curve or curvy stretch of road
  • Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Get plenty of rest before leaving on a trip and take regular breaks
  • If driving for long hours, trying to break up the trip or share the driving with another adult
  • Do not tailgate 
  • Make sure your vehicle is adequately maintained before leaving on a trip

Get more information about Alabama traffic safety from Safe Home Alabama.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident on U.S. Highway 431?

You might not be able to take all of the following steps because of injuries or the circumstances of the car accident. However, these steps can help you protect yourself after a highway accident.

Report the Accident 

Regardless of where the accident occurs, call 911 to request assistance from law enforcement and emergency medical services. The operator will dispatch first responders and police officers based on your location. 

Document the Accident Scene

While you are waiting for help, try to make a video or take photos of the accident scene with your camera. However, do not place yourself or others in danger. Other motorists may approach the accident scene and fail to stop. Always exercise caution after a traffic accident to avoid further injury.

Speak to Eyewitnesses

Eyewitnesses may not wait for the police to arrive. Try to talk to the witnesses to obtain their names and contact information. Eyewitness testimony can be compelling when the other driver’s recollection of events is vastly different from what happened.

Seek Medical Treatment

You may not believe you are injured after the accident. However, some accident injury symptoms may not be noticeable for a few hours or days following the accident. It is always best to be checked by a physician as soon as possible following a car crash.

Report all symptoms to your doctor, regardless of how minor the symptoms might be at the time. Minor symptoms could indicate a more serious injury. Also, symptoms may intensify, leading to a diagnosis of a serious injury. Documenting these for your doctor can help preserve your claim for economic damages like medical bills.

Delays in medical care and lack of medical records can hurt your personal injury case. Do not ignore symptoms or delay seeing a doctor after a car crash.

The car insurance provider for the other driver might tell you that you do not need an attorney. That might be true. However, the insurance company’s motivation in telling you that is in its best interest.

The insurance company wants to pay as little as possible for your injury claim. Before you accept a settlement, make a statement, or sign any documents, talk to a car accident lawyer to understand your legal rights regarding a car accident claim.