The History of I-12 in Louisiana.
Interstate 12 (I-12) is a major east-west highway that runs through Louisiana, connecting the cities of Baton Rouge and Slidell. The history of I-12 dates back to the mid-20th century when the Interstate Highway System was first proposed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
In Louisiana, the construction of I-12 began in the 1960s and was completed in the 1970s. The highway was built to provide a high-speed route between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, and to serve as a bypass around the congested I-10 corridor through the center of New Orleans.
The construction of I-12 involved extensive engineering and construction work, including the building of numerous bridges, overpasses, and interchanges. The highway also required significant land acquisition, with some property owners losing their homes and businesses to make way for the new road.
Since its construction, I-12 has become a vital transportation link for Louisiana, serving as a major route for commerce, tourism, and commuting. The highway has also undergone several upgrades and improvements over the years, including the addition of new interchanges, widening of lanes, and resurfacing of pavement.
Despite its importance, I-12 has also been the site of many serious accidents over the years, with some sections of the highway experiencing higher rates of crashes than others. As a result, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has implemented various safety measures, including adding more lighting, rumble strips, and guardrails to improve safety on the road.
I-12 has a history of serious car and truck accidents.
One of the main reasons for these accidents is the high volume of traffic that travels on the road, particularly during peak commuting hours.
One section of I-12, known as the “Hammond curve,” has been the site of numerous accidents and fatalities over the years. This section of the highway is a sharp curve that has been the site of many accidents due to drivers losing control of their vehicles, especially during wet or icy conditions.
In addition to the Hammond curve, other sections of I-12 have also been the site of serious accidents, including the stretch of the highway that runs through the city of Baton Rouge. This section of the highway has experienced high rates of crashes due to the heavy traffic volume, as well as the many exits and interchanges that can be confusing for drivers.
To improve safety on I-12, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has implemented various safety measures, including adding more lighting, rumble strips, and guardrails. Additionally, the department has increased police patrols and speed enforcement in high-risk areas of the highway, and has worked to educate drivers about safe driving practices.
Despite these efforts, accidents continue to occur on I-12, highlighting the ongoing need for improvements to the highway and for drivers to exercise caution and obey traffic laws while traveling on the road.
You can check out the Northshore Traffic Twitter feed for more details on traffic in the parish.
If you are looking for an I-12 truck accident lawyer, call us today. I can advise you if you have been injured by a big truck anywhere in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana.
What types of injuries can occur in a big truck collision on I-12?
One type of injury is called “multiple blunt force trauma.”
Multiple blunt force trauma is a medical condition that results from a person receiving multiple blows or impacts to the body, typically caused by a traumatic event such as a car accident, fall, or physical assault. Blunt force trauma occurs when an object strikes the body with force, causing injury to the tissues, bones, and organs.
Multiple blunt force trauma is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that can cause a wide range of injuries, including broken bones, internal bleeding, and damage to internal organs such as the brain, liver, or kidneys. Depending on the severity and location of the injuries, multiple blunt force trauma can also cause shock, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s vital organs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients.
Treatment for multiple blunt force trauma depends on the extent and severity of the injuries. In some cases, emergency medical care may be required to stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent further injury. Treatment may include surgery to repair broken bones or internal injuries, blood transfusions to replace lost blood, and other supportive measures to manage pain and prevent infection.
Recovery from multiple blunt force trauma can be a long and difficult process, and may require extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and function. In some cases, the injuries may be so severe that the patient may not fully recover or may experience permanent disability or chronic pain.
Another type of injury that can occur in an 18 wheeler collision is a Traumatic Brain Injury.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of injury that occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. This type of injury can range from mild to severe, and can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning.
TBIs can be caused by a variety of factors, including falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and acts of violence. The severity of a TBI depends on the extent and location of the damage to the brain, and can result in a range of symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Memory loss or confusion
- Mood swings or changes in personality
- Difficulty with concentration or attention
- Motor coordination problems
Severe TBIs can result in more serious symptoms, such as coma or prolonged unconsciousness, seizures, and paralysis.
The treatment and recovery process for a TBI depends on the severity of the injury and the specific symptoms experienced by the victim. Treatment may involve a combination of medications, rehabilitation therapy, and other supportive care.
In some cases, the effects of a TBI may be long-lasting or permanent, requiring ongoing care and support.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help victims of TBIs to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and other damages resulting from the injury.
What are some of the safety measures implemented on I-12 in Louisiana?
- Lighting: The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has installed additional lighting along certain sections of I-12 to improve visibility, especially at night.
- Rumble strips: Rumble strips are grooves in the pavement that produce a loud noise and vibration when a vehicle crosses over them. The department has installed rumble strips along the edges of the road and in the center median to alert drivers when they are veering out of their lane or approaching a hazard.
- Guardrails: Guardrails are barriers made of steel or concrete that are placed along the side of the road to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway. The department has installed guardrails in areas where there is a steep drop-off or other hazards.
- Police patrols and speed enforcement: The department has increased police patrols and speed enforcement in high-risk areas of the highway to deter dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding and reckless driving.
- Driver education: The department has worked to educate drivers about safe driving practices, including the importance of wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits, and avoiding distracted driving.
These safety measures are designed to reduce the risk of accidents on I-12 and improve the overall safety of the highway for drivers and passengers. However, it is important to note that the most effective way to prevent accidents is for drivers to follow traffic laws, exercise caution, and remain alert while driving on the road.
Our personal injury law office is in Covington, Louisiana near I-12 west or east exits.
If you’re traveling east or west bound on I-12 in St. Tammany Parish, be sure and watch for construction and slowed or stopped traffic near exits.
We have seen and read about many serious vehicle collisions on I-12 as the interstate crosses the Tchefuncte River.
That stretch of the interstate has seen a seemingly high amount of crashes, possibly due to the exits to Madisonville where people slow down, and due to the elevated bridge which also limits view and causes people to slow down or suddenly stop.
When traffic suddenly slows down or stops due to rain, inclement weather or obstacles in the roadway, accidents can happen.
Always be vigilant when driving paying careful attention to the road conditions, weather, and nearby traffic. It is much better to simply slow down and reduce your chances of crashing your car.
David has helped victims injured in interstate collisions and who have suffered serious personal injuries. David has years of experience representing people injured on the road so call him today to discuss your rights and legal options.
Kervin Law, LLC
1978 N. Hwy 190, Suite A
Covington, LA 70433
