Car accidents are frequent on roads across the United States, and West Virginia is no exception. The Federal Highway Administration in West Virginia said the state witnessed 280 vehicle-accident-related fatalities and 766 severe injuries in 2021. Understanding where these accidents happen most is important for drivers so they can take necessary precautions.
Data and research help drivers pinpoint the areas where car accidents occur most frequently in West Virginia and investigate the contributing factors. Before delving into specific locations, let’s explore several variables, such as distracted driving and inadequate road infrastructure, which heighten accident risks and how a Morgantown car accident lawyer can provide the support and guidance you need.
Driving in West Virginia
Like any state, West Virginia has its fair share of car accidents. Common factors include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, poor weather conditions, and road conditions. These challenges can significantly affect road safety, emphasizing the need for all drivers, no matter how careful they are on average, to remain vigilant and exercise caution at all times.
West Virginia is also known for its dangerous roads, which include its Appalachian mountain range, curvy roads, and rough terrain; it’s a mountain state. The logging, coal, and oil and gas industries also put trucks on the roads, meaning more dangers for cars driving on the road with large trucks.
Additionally, West Virginia gets a lot of rain, on average. They have three to six inches of rain per year and snow. All these factors make driving more dangerous. It’s complicated and expensive to maintain and repair these roads. Despite much investment in infrastructure, roads and their drivers still suffer, particularly in rural areas.
All drivers should maintain extra caution when on these roads. Inexperienced drivers, particularly teenagers, and newly licensed drivers, often need more experience and skills to handle these challenging road conditions or make split-second decisions to avoid accidents.
Common mistakes leading to accidents include failure to obey traffic laws, driving while fatigued, vehicle defects, and aggressive driving behaviors. Education, traffic law enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and public awareness campaigns to promote safe driving practices can help address these situations.
When analyzing car accidents in Morgantown and West Virginia, it’s important to consider the distinction between urban and rural areas. Metropolitan areas such as Morgantown tend to experience more accidents due to their higher population densities and increased traffic volumes.
Conversely, rural areas have other challenges, including poorly maintained roads and limited emergency services, causing accidents despite lower traffic volumes.
Interstate highways play a significant role in the city’s transportation network, facilitating travel within and across state lines. However, these highways also experience a high number of cars.
Driving in Morgantown, West Virginia
Navigating Terrain and Staying Safe
West Virginia’s stunning natural landscapes, with their sweeping hills and imposing mountains, are not just a backdrop to your drive but also an integral part of it.
These scenic vistas, while breathtaking, also present unique challenges for drivers. The mountainous terrain has winding roads, steep inclines, and limited visibility, increasing the accident risks, particularly for inexperienced or distracted drivers.
Areas such as the Appalachian Mountains and the Monongahela National Forest require extra caution to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
It’s not just the major highways that demand vigilance; secondary roads come with safety concerns. These roads, often winding through rural areas and mountainous terrain, may be narrow, poorly lit, and lacking adequate signage, making them prone to accidents, particularly at night or during poor weather conditions.
Besides the terrain, intersections are common locations for car accidents in Morgantown, especially those with complex traffic patterns and inadequate signage. Intersections along significant thoroughfares like US Route 50 and US Route 19 are frequent accident hotspots, with issues like speeding, red-light running, and driver distraction contributing to car accidents.
Understanding the factors and locations that make drivers and cars more prone to accidents is crucial for ensuring road safety. By obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and driving defensively, drivers can proactively make the roads safer for themselves and others.
Additionally, ongoing investment in road infrastructure, law enforcement efforts, and public awareness campaigns, such as West Virginia’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, can also contribute to reducing car accidents across the state.
Morgantown Roads and Traffic
Driving during rush hour in Morgantown can be scary due to road conditions and other drivers’ behavior. A recent survey asked residents about the city’s worst roads during rush hour. While “all of them” was a popular response, certain roads stood out as top-ranking contenders for the most challenging rush hour commutes.
Additionally, reports have indicated that nearly half the roads in Morgantown are in terrible condition. These roads cost drivers a lot, causing fast vehicle depreciation, tire repair, more fuel, and other issues. Potholes are a particular issue. Drivers swerve to avoid them, which only puts them at more risk.
Although it’s not always mentioned, Jakes Run Road to McCurdysville and Mileground, Morgantown (U.S. 119) have been called the worst-maintained roads in the state; their poor state contributes to major car accidents.
Though city officials try, maintaining these roads takes a lot of work. They receive many complaints but claim they cannot do much about it. Plans to better the roads do exist.
Navigating the roads in Morgantown, especially on poorly maintained roads, requires diligent attention to safety. By staying informed, remaining cautious, and driving responsibly, drivers can make roads safer for everyone.
The West Virginia Department of Transportation recently published a list of the state’s most dangerous road segments for pedestrians, cyclists, and other people not driving cars.
Among these areas, Morgantown stands out, accounting for a significant portion of the top risk spots. Six of the top 25 riskiest state roads occupy the top spots, and 11 out of 14 are in Morgantown. 12 of the top 25 are in and around Morgantown.
These rankings come from data collected through the WVDOT’s Vulnerable Road User Assessment, a component of the West Virginia Strategic Highway Safety Plan. The rankings’ primary factors are network characteristics and non-motorized road users on each route.
Notably, Beechurst Avenue (8th Street to University Avenue) secured the top spot on the list, followed by:
- University Avenue (Van Voorhis to 8th Street)
- University Avenue (North Street to College Avenue)
- College/University Avenues (Willey Street to Jacob Street)
- Evansdale Drive (University Avenue to Rawley Avenue)
- Campus Drive (Beechurst Avenue to University Avenue)
Morgantown’s presence on the list extends to segments of University and Beechurst Avenues, as well as Willey Street, North Willey Street, and Willowdale Road.
In response to these findings, the state intends to establish a local steering committee in Morgantown to prioritize and tackle pedestrian safety projects. It is worth noting that the state will fund these projects using federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds.
Bill Austin, the Executive Director of the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization, called the state’s attention to this issue. He expressed hope, emphasizing that it validates the public’s and the MPO’s concerns. Austin believes that the state’s coming action plan brings exciting news for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users in the area.
When voting on the worst roads, voters chose the following most:
- Mileground Road
- Highway 705
- Patterson Drive
Other roads or areas voters chose included I-79, downtown, Star City, Beechurst, Sabraton, West Run Road, and Suncrest.
When stuck in rush hour traffic on a Morgantown highway, prioritize safety and reduce risks.
Here are some driving tips to consider:
- Give yourself extra time for your trip to avoid feeling rushed.
- Maintain a safe driving distance considering road and weather conditions. Avoid distractions while driving.
- Stay calm and composed, avoiding frustration or anxiety.
- Drive defensively and be prepared for unexpected moves from other drivers.
To avoid rush hour traffic altogether and minimize car crashes and accidents, take the following steps:
- Plan and schedule trips for off-peak hours when possible.
- Check traffic and weather updates before leaving to stay informed about the current conditions.
- Consider alternative routes to bypass congested areas, even if it means a slightly longer drive.
- Carpooling with others can also provide access to HOV lanes, bypassing slow-moving traffic during rush hour.
By being mindful of these tips and strategies, you can navigate rush hour traffic more effectively and minimize the associated risks of accidents.
Making Changes
In an exciting development, approving a new contract has taken a 2024 Street Improvement Plan a significant step forward. The Morgantown City Council has unanimously endorsed a contract awarded to Anderson Excavating LLC, valued at approximately $792,000. This substantial investment will begin paving 45 city roads spanning four neighborhoods.
During the council meeting, Deputy Director Megan Deeley of the City’s Engineering and Public Works Department claimed that road improvements should happen within the next few months. Also, the plan does not include installing ADA curb ramps around city streets.
This contract approval underscores the City of Morgantown’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and ensuring its residents’ continued safety and convenience. With work set to start soon, residents can look forward to improved road conditions and increased accessibility across the city.
Many road improvements will occur as part of the 2024 City Street Improvement Plan, focusing on the Greenmont neighborhood. Changes will encompass enhancements to 27 roads of different lengths, amounting to approximately 16,000 feet of road undergoing milling or paving.
The Evansdale neighborhood is also in line for improvements, with ten streets set for paving, covering around 5,700 feet of road. Additionally, the Sabraton neighborhood will witness improvements to seven roads, accounting for approximately 6,500 feet of road.
The City of Morgantown Engineering Department made these choices, carefully considering the chances of fully addressing specific road issues and the potential cost impact on the paving of other roads as part of the Street Improvement Plan.
Get Help in Morgantown
Jeff Robinette, Morgantown Car Accident Lawyer
Legal questions about car accidents in the area are common. Local lawyers can provide the support and guidance you need. Stay informed, cautious, and, above all, safe on Morgantown and West Virginia’s roads.
A car accident can have a lasting effect on your life, whether someone else caused it or a terrible Morgantown road. When faced with a sudden and severe collision, it’s natural to have many questions about the insurance claims process and the court system and to wonder whether you should seek legal counsel. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Morgantown, West Virginia, can provide your needed answers.
Being well-informed and making sound decisions can help you get fair compensation for your car and injuries. Whether understanding the insurance claims process or navigating the legal system, a good lawyer’s goal is to be sure you have the knowledge and resources to move forward.
