Any time you pull onto an Atlanta road to drive, there’s a risk. After all, Atlanta has been ranked the seventh most dangerous U.S. city for drivers, and Atlanta drivers are over 40 percent more likely to get in a car accident compared to the U.S. average, according to NerdWallet. But there are certain parts of the city that put you more at danger than others. These locations, including certain roads and intersections, are good for any Atlanta resident—or anyone passing through—to know about so they can protect themselves and other drivers.
4 Most Dangerous Roads to Drive in Atlanta
Since intersections have the highest speed limits, they’re often the most dangerous places to drive—and Georgia interstates are no exception. Here are some of the most risky roads that often have the highest amounts of accidents in Atlanta:
I-75
Interstate 75 goes right through the center of Atlanta and is the road taken by many commerce vehicles throughout the country. From tractor-trailers to semis to everyday Atlanta residents driving to work, this road can get busy and crowded quickly—increasing the chances of severe or fatal accidents each day.
I-285
This road is not only long, at 64 miles total, it was found to be the place of more fatal accidents per mile than any other interstate in the nation in 2013, according to a National Highway Traffic Association study. I-285 loops around the city, making it a busy road as well.
I-85
Interstate 85 runs through Atlanta from Alabama to South Carolina. It’s intersection with I-75 in Atlanta’s downtown makes it one of the most dangerous areas in the city. Thankfully, the addition of widened barriers by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has helped reduce accident numbers.
I-20
Like I-85, Interstate 20 also crosses through I-75 in downtown Atlanta and is a busy highway in the city. In 2016, tractor-trailer accidents went up here and GDOT installed better signs and resurfaced lanes to try and reduce accident risks.
Certain metro Atlanta intersections have been found as particularly dangerous, as well. Those include:
- East Park Place and Stone Mountain Highway in Stone Mountain
- Memorial Drive and N Hairston Road in Stone Mountain
- Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross
- Covington Highway and Panola Road in Lithonia
- Cobb Place Boulevard and Earnest Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw
…but those are just the start. See for yourself — check out the 10 most dangerous intersections in Atlanta. Some of the intersections are well-known if you live in Atlanta, but others might surprise you.
These intersections have seen some of the highest numbers of crashes in Atlanta, so drivers should proceed with caution and always drive when alert and mindful of others on the road. Of course, that’s true anywhere — but it’s helpful to know when you’re in an especially risky intersection or stretch of road.
What should I do if I was in an accident in Atlanta?
Car accidents can happen anywhere, but they’re especially prevalent on Atlanta roads. And since most residents must take the major roads listed above to get to their destinations, chances of accidents remain high. If you or a loved one was involved in an accident on an Atlanta road, help is available.
After an accident occurs, you should always call the police and get any necessary medical attention right away. You should also call a car accident lawyer who can help you with next steps. A good lawyer will help you pursue the financial recovery you actually need and deserve for injuries or damages suffered in the accident, advocate for you if the other party was at-fault, and help you negotiate a fair settlement.
Our attorneys have been in the business for over 20 years helping accident victims in the Atlanta and greater Georgia area. And working with us is no-risk; we don’t get paid unless we get you money. If you were in an accident and need help, we’d love to offer you a FREE consultation to get started. Call us at 404-341-6555 or fill out the form to your right for your free consultation today.
