Wayne's roads 19th most dangerous in the state
By Matt Shaw
Published in News on December 16, 2004 1:57 PM
Wayne County's roads were ranked the 19th most dangerous in the state, according to a survey by AAA Carolinas.
The survey used wreck-injury statistics from 2003 for all 100 counties.
Wayne County had 1,786 people injured in car wrecks that year.
Neighboring Duplin County was ranked 58th most dangerous. It logged 866 injuries.
The study released Wednesday is based on the number of collisions, deaths and injuries per mile traveled in each county. It is designed to show where motorists have the greatest -- and least -- chances of being in a crash, being injured or killed.
The three counties with the most dangerous roads were New Hanover County, including the city of Wilmington; Graham County, including the Nantahala National Forest; and Watauga County, including the city of Boone.
New Hanover County has led the list for five straight years.
Statewide, North Carolina highway fatalities dropped 1.3 percent, to 1,552 deaths for 2003.
Graham, Warren and Hoke counties were rated the worst for fatal accidents.
Johnston County was tied with Guilford County for the most fatal accidents involving tractor trailers. It had six such deaths.
"Counties with major interstates endure the most tractor-trailer traffic," said David E. Parsons, president of AAA Carolinas, "and the most tractor-trailer crashes."
The five counties with the fewest accidents were Swain, Camden, Polk, Currituck and Haywood.
Four counties reported no fatalities: Alleghany, Camden, Yancey and Mitchell.
"There are a few road rules motorists should follow, regardless of where they drive: Buckle up, maintain a proper following distance, don't drink and drive, and obey the speed limits," Parsons said. "These simple rules would save hundreds of lives each year."
AAA Carolinas was founded in 1922 as a nonprofit organization to provide travel, automobile and insurance services and to advocate for driver safety.