A federal program aimed at making streets safer for all road users and reducing the number of car accidents recently received support from U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, who helped co-sponsor the proposed legislation known as the "Complete Streets Act."
“New Mexico’s rate of pedestrian-vehicle fatalities demands action,” Heinrich said in an interview with the Rio Rancho Observer. “The Complete Streets Act is an opportunity to not only make unprecedented investments in our state’s roadway safety but pave the way for better, more accessible streets that can accommodate all forms of transportation. I’m proud to support this legislation to make roads safer and New Mexicans’ commutes easier.”
What is the Complete Streets Act?
Heinrich and three other U.S. Senators from across the country recently sponsored proposed legislation known as the Complete Streets Act. If such legislation is approved and signed into law, each state will set aside a portion of its federal highway funds “towards the creation of a Complete Streets Program,” the Rio Rancho Observer reported.
Such a program is designed to create a plan that “provides safe and accessible transportation options for children, seniors, and people with disabilities by prioritizing infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users.”
In addition, such funding could be used “to build safe street projects such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops. The legislation would also require states to incorporate Complete Streets elements into all new construction and reconstruction.”
How bad are car accidents in New Mexico?
Despite continued efforts, the number of serious or fatal car accidents in New Mexico continues to climb higher nearly every year. In 2022, a total of 466 people died in motor vehicle accidents in New Mexico, according to the most recent accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
That figure is lower than in 2021 when 481 people died in motor vehicle accidents throughout the state. But 2021 was unusual. That year was the highest death toll for car accidents in the state. Other than 2021, the car accident death toll for New Mexico in 2022 was the second-highest number of auto accident fatalities in the state in more than a decade.
What is the most dangerous highway in New Mexico?
While car accidents can happen anywhere, certain roads are more dangerous than others in New Mexico.
A recent traffic safety study by Car Insurance Comparison identified the most dangerous highway in each state. In New Mexico, that highway is Interstate 40, which has 40 car accident deaths per year on average.
The same highway has also earned the title of one of the 100 most dangerous highways in the U.S. Specifically, I-40 in McKinley County, NM, was ranked 31st among the 100 most dangerous roads in the country, according to ValuePenguin. In addition, I-25 in Bernalillo County, NM, was ranked the 54th deadliest highway on the same list.
Why should I hire an Albuquerque car accident attorney?
Car accidents in New Mexico often quickly turn into complicated legal cases. And if you don’t have an attorney on your side standing up for your rights, you might not get the money you rightfully deserve to pay for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, replacement income, and other expenses.
That’s why New Mexico car accident lawyer Andras Szantho is here to help. His dedicated legal team at the Szantho Law Firm in Albuquerque can work with you to build the strongest possible legal case. That way, you can focus on what matters most – your recovery.
Get a legal warrior who’s prepared to fight for your rights. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with an Albuquerque car accident attorney driven to win. Our office is conveniently located on Prospect Avenue in Albuquerque. We also have an office located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Best of all, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we obtain a financial settlement or verdict for you.