Although it only runs about 12 miles through three different states including Virginia, Interstate 81 is an incredibly dangerous highway. About 2,000 accidents occur on Virginia’s section of Interstate 81 every year. This roadway is only four lanes (two lanes running each way) and is often overwhelmed with commuters, transportation, and tractor trailers.
Some of the reasons Interstate 81 is so dangerous are:
Disparity in speed limits between states
Increased trucking in this area
General distractions such as texting and driving
The Virginia Commonwealth Improvement Plan, approved by the Virginia Commonwealth Board of Transportation in 2018, will add lanes to Interstate 81 which will hopefully lead to safer road conditions. However, construction for this project has only just begun meaning that drivers must still contend with dangerous road conditions, tractor trailers, and new construction.