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New Mexico's stunning landscapes and vast road networks make it a vital transportation hub. While it offers breathtaking scenic routes for travelers, it's also home to some of the most treacherous roads in the United States for commercial semi-truck accidents. Here, we take a look at some of the most perilous roads in New Mexico for drivers forced to share the road with 18-wheelers.
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash caused by a semi-truck driver on one of these highways—or anywhere else in New Mexico—please don’t hesitate to reach out to Keller & Keller’s office in Albuquerque for help.
Dangerous Highways in New Mexico
The highways and byways of New Mexico are in constant heavy use by the commercial trucking industry. Our roads are long, straight, fast, and boring, which can be a recipe for disaster when an overworked truck driver is passing through. The routes that see some of the worst crashes every year include the following.
Interstate 40 (I-40)
I-40 is one of the primary east-west highways in New Mexico, traversing the state from border to border. This road's extensive length and the heavy flow of commercial semi-truck traffic can make it a hotspot for accidents. The narrow winding stretches through the mountains and high elevation changes pose significant challenges for truckers. According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), I-40 consistently ranks high for commercial truck accidents.
US Route 285
US Route 285, stretching from the Texas border to Colorado, is another notorious road for semi-truck accidents. The hilly terrain, unpredictable weather, and high winds in the region make it a hazardous route. Given that the road passes through the Permian Basin region, it has seen a drastic increase in oil field truck traffic, which included inexperienced and overworked drivers trying to meet the demands of the growing industry.
US Route 64
US Route 64 runs east-west through northern New Mexico and presents truck drivers with numerous challenges. The winding roads and mountainous terrain demand constant attention and skill. NMDOT records indicate that commercial semi-truck accidents are relatively common on this route, often due to driver error and challenging conditions.
Interstate 25 (I-25)
I-25 is a major north-south highway in New Mexico, connecting Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces. While it is a vital transportation corridor, it also presents significant dangers for truckers. The high volume of traffic and the mix of urban and rural areas can result in a variety of collision types. NMDOT data shows that accidents involving commercial semi-trucks on I-25 are frequent.
US Route 70
US Route 70 runs east-west through New Mexico and presents challenges to truck drivers due to the undulating terrain and often unpredictable weather conditions. NMDOT statistics reveal a consistent trend of commercial semi-truck accidents on this route.
US Route 550
This 175-mile stretch of road runs between Bernalillo just north of Albuquerque to the Colorado border, passing through the towns of San Ysidro, Cuba, Nageezi, Bloomfield, and Aztec. It is a four-lane undivided highway with a speed limit of 70 mph. With no barrier between the two directions of traffic, vehicles—including semi-trucks—can easily cross the 6-foot-wide median into oncoming traffic.
The Consequences of Negligent Truck Drivers
The consequences of negligent truck drivers on these dangerous New Mexico roads can be severe and life-altering for other motorists. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, driver fatigue, distracted driving, and mechanical failures. Victims of truck accidents often suffer from severe injuries, significant property damage, and, in some tragic cases, loss of life.
Legal Remedies for Victims
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a negligent truck driver on one of these treacherous roads in New Mexico, it's important to know your legal rights. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. Seeking legal representation from the experienced truck crash attorneys at Keller & Keller can be crucial in pursuing justice and holding negligent trucking companies accountable.
New Mexico's picturesque roads can quickly turn perilous when commercial semi-trucks are involved in accidents due to driver negligence. The dangerous roads highlighted in this article are hotspots for such incidents. Be aware of your legal rights if you've been injured by a negligent truck driver.
