It can be exciting to drive on the Louisiana Memorial World War II Bridge that spans the Calcasieu River. After all, the bridge stretches more than 130 feet into the air, giving drivers and passengers expansive views of the Lake Charles area. If you are not careful, though, you may find yourself in the middle of a catastrophic car accident on the bridge.
Even though the Calcasieu River Bridge is unavoidable for drivers on Interstate 10, it has a checkered safety history. For example, according to reporting from KPLC News, a five-vehicle crash closed the bridge for several hours less than six months ago. The bridge also has the distinction of being the location of the worst-ever motor vehicle accident on I-10.
Why is the bridge dangerous?
In 1992, a safety review of the Calcasieu River Bridge found the bridge’s deck to be in poor condition. In response to this review, transportation officials lowered the speed limit on the bridge to just 50 miles per hour. Not all motorists comply with this speed limit, though.
When you drive on the Calcasieu River Bridge, you are likely to encounter both slow and fast drivers. As faster-moving vehicles change lanes or approach slower-moving cars, there is naturally some chance of a collision. Moreover, the bridge’s incline often forces semi-trucks to drive very slowly, making them potentially hazardous to other drivers.
How can you stay safe?
Arguably, the best way to stay safe when traversing the Calcasieu River Bridge is to obey posted speed limits. You also may want to drive defensively, allowing plenty of space between your vehicle and those driving around you.
Even if you drive carefully, you eventually may have a motor vehicle accident on the Calcasieu River Bridge. Ultimately, pursuing financial compensation from the driver who causes the accident may give you the resources you need to complete a full recovery.
