There are a lot of places truck drivers go, even when the rest of us are too scared. They’re familiar with the longest roads and the most challenging terrains, but there are some places even the most experienced avoid. Dangerous highways and nightmare conditions pose major threats to us all. In this article, let’s take a look at some of the places even truck drivers stay clear of.
The Million Dollar Highway
This scenic route is absolutely breathtaking for tourists, but it’s also a terrifying experience for truck drivers. Steep drop-offs and sharp curves make this a super dangerous path for any truck, especially since some parts don’t even have guardrails.
For truckers hauling heavy loads, the risks definitely outweigh the rewards. Snow and ice in winter only add to the danger, making this route a serious no-go for many.
Lombard Street
Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street is iconic but completely impractical for large vehicles. Its narrow, winding turns and steep incline make it impossible for most drivers to navigate safely, let alone truck drivers. Add in the constant stream of tourists, and it’s no wonder why people prefer to view this attraction on foot rather than in a vehicle.
Tail of the Dragon
This famed stretch of road features a staggering 318 curves in just 11 short miles. While it’s an absolute paradise for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts, it’s a complete nightmare for trucks.
The tight turns and narrow lanes leave no room for error, making it an accident waiting to happen for big rigs. Add to this all the speeding cars and bikes coming towards you from the other direction, and you might start to understand why lots of people avoid this road.
Lower Wacker Drive
Lower Wacker Drive is a maze-like underground road system that confuses everyone, from tourists to locals. It features lots of low overpasses and tight spaces, which make it a death trap for trucks, while poor lighting only adds to the chaos. Truckers who find themselves here often struggle to escape without damage or delays.
It might be a fun place for thrill-seekers, but for people just trying to do their job, it’s definitely somewhere to avoid.
Brooklyn’s Residential Streets
Navigating New York City is already a challenge for truck drivers, but the narrow, congested residential streets in Brooklyn are particularly horrible. Lots of low-hanging trees and parked cars leave little room to maneuver and create a lot of problems. Getting stuck or causing damage is a constant risk, making this area a last resort.
I-10
Notorious among truckers for its narrow lanes and high accident rates, the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is another place to stay clear of. Sudden stops are pretty common, and any mistake can lead to pileups.
Many truckers avoid this bridge, especially during bad weather, to minimize the chances of being caught in a dangerous situation. If it’s dangerous already, bad weather certainly won’t make things any better.
Donner Pass
Despite its stunning views, Donner Pass is infamous for its unpredictable weather and sharp inclines. Heavy snowfalls in winter make it a really treacherous place to be, and chain restrictions add another layer of complexity to anyone planning a visit. Truckers often bypass this route during storms to avoid accidents and lengthy delays. With such steep hills, the change in weather can make the difference between an accident-free drive and a trip to the medical room.
Beartooth Highway
Often described as one of the most beautiful drives in America, this highway is still far from ideal for trucks. Hairpin turns and really narrow lanes make it extremely difficult for big rigs to handle. Many truckers avoid this route, especially during peak tourist season when traffic adds even more chaos to the challenge.
Historic Downtowns
Places like Charleston, Savannah, and Boston feature lots of charming cobblestone streets that can be extremely hazardous for any vehicle, but they’re particularly a nightmare for trucks. The uneven surfaces don’t just make driving uncomfortable; they’re also super slippery whenever they become wet.
The tight layouts of these historic areas might add to the atmosphere, but they leave little room for maneuvering large vehicles. Truckers prefer to steer clear and let smaller vehicles handle this charming place.
I-95
This stretch of highway is notorious for heaps of traffic and lots of unpredictable delays. For truckers, the congestion of the I-95 can make them late for their delivery deadlines. Narrow lanes and toll fees also make this somewhere that they much prefer to avoid unless absolutely necessary.
Byways with Height Restrictions
Whether the route is scenic or not, some roads come with height and weight restrictions. Bridges and tunnels built a long time ago weren’t designed to accommodate the size of modern trucks today. This makes some roads completely impassable for large vehicles. For this reason, truckers avoid them completely to prevent accidents and delays.
Cajon Pass
Cajon Pass connects Southern California to the High Desert and is infamous for having some really strong winds and steep roads. These conditions make it challenging for any driver, but especially truckers and those hauling lightweight trailers that are prone to tipping.
Many drivers opt for alternative routes to avoid the risk of accidents in this unpredictable area. It might be a very wise choice.
Dalton Highway
The Dalton Highway is one of the most remote and dangerous roads around, stretching through the Alaskan wilderness with long stretches of dirt and gravel. The extreme weather and limited services you’ll find along this route make it a tough journey for anyone who attempts it. Truckers face additional challenges like wildlife on the road and isolated conditions that leave little room for error, so it’s not a surprise that even they decide to stay clear.
Las Vegas
The Boulevard in Las Vegas is a sensory overload with bright lights, heavy traffic, and constant pedestrian activity. In a city that never sleeps, people are always worried about encountering drunk drivers. Guiding a truck through this area is nearly impossible, with unpredictable stop-and-go conditions making it risky and stressful.
Big Sur Coast Highway
Roadtrippers love the Big Sur Coast Highway, but it’s a nightmare for truckers. Winding roads and narrow passes that go along huge cliffs with minimal guardrails leave no room for error. Landslides and foggy conditions further complicate the route, making it one of the least desirable paths for truck drivers. Can you image driving along this road in your car, let alone a truck?
Hatcher Pass
For truckers, the lack of guardrails and narrow pathways make this place particularly risky. Unexpected weather changes and limited cell service add to the hazards, prompting many truck drivers to steer clear of this remote and unpredictable road. Hatcher Pass is a scenic but treacherous route, with sections that stop even truck drivers from attempting.