LAS VEGAS -- A new study ranks the stretch of Interstate 15 from Las Vegas to Los Angeles as the most dangerous highway in the nation.
An estimated 8 million people drive back and forth every year from southern Nevada to southern California. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the 180-mile stretch has with more fatalities than anywhere else.
The DOT says there have been 466 highway deaths over a 14-year period. Half of those killed were not wearing seatbelts. AAA says the lack of seatbelt use contributes to a higher fatality rate. But AAA and commercial truck drivers who drive the route say there are several other reasons 1-15 claims so many lives each year.
"You see a lot of drivers using excessive speed, too many drivers are over the legal limit for alcohol, and perhaps the biggest problem is distracted driving," said Michael Geeser with AAA.
"They're always in a hurry -- they don't pay attention, they're on their cell phones, they're doing everything but driving," said truck driver Phil Grant.
AAA says more lives would be spared if more drivers buckled up, stayed alert and focused behind the wheel, and kept their speed under control.
Last summer, Caltrans widened the freeway at Mountain Pass. AAA believes that will make a difference, but there hasn't been chance to compare any year to year data to measure the impact.
