Providence Rhode Island’s Most Dangerous Roads and Steps to Prevent Auto Accidents

Every year thousands of people will experience the traumatic effects of an auto accident in Rhode Island. Although in some cases accidents are inevitable, in other scenarios the crash may have been avoided. Simply exercising a higher level of caution could be the solution to avoiding accidents.

There are some simple steps you can take to help you avoid being victim of an auto accident. It is also important to be aware of areas where driving may be a little more dangerous, allowing for you to operate your vehicle more cautiously. If you are injured in an auto accident, it is important to contact the Law Offices of d’Oliveira & Associates, who are knowledgeable auto accident lawyers.

Why Are These Interchanges Dangerous?

How can we as drivers make use of this information? For one, we can exercise additional caution at these known dangerous locations. Any interchange can be dangerous because of the manner in which some people speed up or change lanes. Here is a list of the most dangerous intersections in Rhode Island and what makes them so hazardous:

• I-95 at Exit 25: The report states that there were 122 crashes at this location involving 53 injuries. There were no fatalities however, this intersection may be particularly hazardous because of the confusion that results from Smithfield Avenue and North Main Street having their own lanes.
• Route 6 and 10: This is an intersection where drivers tend to make quick lane changes and that in itself can be extremely risky. For elderly drivers or those who lack quick reflexes, this can be a very dangerous location. There were 152 crashes reported here involving 79 injuries.
• RI 37 + US 1 (Post Rd.): 69 injuries and a total of 293 traffic accidents were reported at this location in Warwick, which can get dangerous especially during rush hour traffic. 224 of those crashes reported having property damage.
• I-95 at Exit 18: As the second most dangerous intersection in Rhode Island, Thurbers Avenue at this location has a number of twists and turns, which can prove difficult for some motorists. One fatality, 79 injuries and 296 crashes were reported at this location.
• I-95 at Exit 6: This is a tricky location due to a last-minute lane change on exit 6 to Route 6, which is challenging even for experienced drivers. At this dangerous intersection, one death, 65 injuries and 144 crashes were reported.
• I-95 at Exit 29: This location saw a total of 191 crashes, two fatalities and 55 injuries. Vehicles tend to travel at high speeds at this location, which puts everyone in harm’s way.
• I-95 at Exit 20: Time Magazine lists this as the top worst intersection in Rhode Island. Motorists should be well advised to use extreme caution at this location. Two deaths, 90 injuries and a total of 217 crashes were reported here.
• Memorial Boulevard near Providence Place Mall: The mall draws a large number of pedestrians that drivers often fail to yield to, which creates a hazard for both pedestrians and drivers alike. An average of 50 car crashes occur at this intersection each year.
• Finally, Exit 15 on I-95 – This split exit that leads toward Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick saw 181 accidents in 2024, with 50 injuries and 1 death.

Steps to Take to Prevent an Auto Accident:

1. Don’t Drive Tired – Avoid falling asleep at the wheel by avoiding driving tired all together. If you do happen to get tired while you are driving, you should pull over and rest. Do not fight through the tired feeling. It is crucial that you stay perceptive of your surroundings and are awake and alert while driving.
2. Never Run Red Lights – This seems like a simple concept but happens more frequently than you would think. Never run a red light, or enter any intersection when a light is already red.
3. Avoid the High-Speed Lane – When you use the middle lane as opposed to the high-speed lane you leave yourself more escape options if a problem should occur. If something happens that would require you to suddenly change lanes you would have more options if you were traveling in the middle lane as opposed to the fast lane.
4. Watch the Area Ahead – While you are driving it is important to make sure to watch the car directly in front of you, but it is also important to pay attention to the area and vehicles in front of them. This could increase your chances at seeing a problem and give you the ability to react quicker. This would decrease your chances of rear-ending the care in front of you if they should have to stop short.
5. Beware of Blind Spots – You should always make sure that your rear view and side mirrors are adjusted properly. This will provide you with a better view of the area surrounding your vehicle and any cars that are near you. But don’t solely rely on these mirrors to provide you with information. You should always turn and look at your blind spot to make sure there are no cars in your way.
6. “9 and 3” – This is the number one rule we all learn in driver’s education when we are first getting our license, and that is because it is very important. Always keep your hands at 9 and 3. Don’t be lazy and only rest your hand at the top or bottom of the steering wheel. In order to ensure complete control of your vehicle you should always have your hands in the correct position.
7. Never Drive Under the Influence – Never operate a vehicle if you are under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Besides the fact that it is illegal to do so it can cause your risk of an accident to skyrocket. Your perception and reaction time will be significantly impaired as well as your overall ability to drive. Some of the worst accidents are caused by driving under the influence.

Taking the advice provided in these easy-to-follow steps can help you be an overall better driver. Rhode Island drivers have been specifically ranked as some of the worst drivers in the country. According to the Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report, out of all the drivers in America, Providence drivers use their cell phones the most while operating their cars.

If You Have Been Injured

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Providence car accident, please get prompt medical attention at the scene and exchange information with the other parties involved. Try to get photographs of the accident site and contact information for anyone who may have witnessed the collision. Preserve your vehicle and any other physical evidence from the scene. Immediately contact an experienced Providence car accident lawyer who will ensure that that your legal rights and best interests are protected. For more information and a free case evaluation, please call us toll free at 1-(800) 992-6878, or fill out a contact form.
 
Providence Personal Injury Lawyer | d’Oliveira & Associates
390 Broadway,
Providence, RI 02909
Phone: (401) 831-8600