When you’re hitting the road for an adventure across the United States, there are certain highways you’ll want to steer clear of. Home to some absolutely breathtaking routes, not all of America’s roads come without danger. The heavy traffic of some roads and the crazy weather of others all make for good reasons to take a slightly different route. Here are 15 of the most dangerous roads in America, so you know which routes to avoid or drive cautiously on during your trip.
Interstate 95 (I-95)
I-95 is one of the busiest highways in the country. While it may seem convenient when doing a long-distance drive, it’s famous for really heavy traffic. Unfortunately, accident rates are high, and the driving conditions make this road a risky choice. It connects several major cities, which means there are lots of people. If you can, avoid travelling during rush hour on this highway, or in the evening when visibility is lower.
State Route 138 in California (Death Trap Highway)
Death Trap Highway has a reputation for being incredibly dangerous. Poorly lit areas and foggy weather add to the risk, especially at night. But, despite the nickname, many drivers use this route to avoid traffic on other highways. This increase in traffic likely makes it even more prone to accidents. Be careful and take extra caution on this highway, and avoid it entirely when visibility is poor or if you’re not experienced with mountain driving.
U.S. Route 1
Running parallel to the eastern coastline, U.S. Route 1 has scenic views but also has a lot of dangers. The road is quite old, with lots of parts that don’t have wide lanes or updated signage. Busy areas near major cities like Boston, New York, and Miami mean there is a much higher chance of accidents than on other roads. Really sharp curves and badly designed intersections also add to the risks.
If you want a safer alternative, try taking Interstate 95 instead to bypass the more dangerous parts of Route 1.
Highway 2 in Montana
This highway is also highly dangerous, but this time it’s because of its isolation. With long stretches between towns and not many places for help in case of an emergency, it’s risky to drive here without preparation.
The road is also known for wildlife crossings, which can cause serious accidents if you’re not paying attention. In the winter, icy conditions and snowstorms add a whole new level of difficulty. So, if you’re planning on taking this route, make sure to check the weather forecast and carry emergency supplies just in case.
Tail of the Dragon (U.S. 129)
For adrenaline junkies, the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee and North Carolina is an iconic, thrilling drive, but it’s also one of the most dangerous roads in the U.S. With 318 curves in just 11 miles. It’s a challenging road to navigate, especially at high speeds.
The lack of guardrails and the winding, narrow road makes it easy to lose control, especially on motorcycles. Despite drivers being advised to slow down and be cautious, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office reported that “there were a total of 165 crashes in 2020 and 2021, 123 of which involved motorcycles”.
California State Route 99
With potholes everywhere and poor visibility, the State Route 99 is tough to navigate. There are frequent accidents, mainly because drivers tend to speed in certain sections. Dense fog can also roll in, making visibility extremely difficult. The frequent truck traffic increases the risk of sudden lane changes, and many sections lack proper barriers.
If you’re traveling through California, you should definitely avoid Route 99 if you can. Instead, opt for a more modern, safer route.
Dalton Highway, Alaska
One of the most dangerous and isolated roads in the U.S. if you’re looking for adventure. But it’s not for the faint of heart. The highway is long, remote, and often covered in ice and snow, which can be extremely dangerous. There are no fuel stations for long stretches, and the nearest towns can be hundreds of miles away. Really strong winds and freezing temperatures make it a risky place to break down.
You should only tackle this route if your car is well-prepared for such extreme condition. If you do, make sure you tell people where you’re going before you depart!
U.S. Route 550 (Million Dollar Highway)
A true test for any driver is the Steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and sharp, winding curves that you will encounter on this dangerous route. In the winter, snow and ice can make the road even more treacherous. While it’s popular among tourists, the Million Dollar Highway requires a very experienced driver to navigate it safely. If you’re unfamiliar with mountain driving, you should definitely consider taking a safer route.
Interstate 4 (I-4)
The stretch between Orlando and Tampa is particularly dangerous due to lots of tourist traffic and lots of rainstorms. Combine this with sudden traffic jams, and you can begin to understand the high number of accidents. If you’re heading to Florida, try to avoid this route during peak tourist seasons or rush hour, and always keep an eye on weather conditions to ensure a safer drive.
Interstate 10 (I-10) in Arizona
This highway can be extremely dangerous due to the combination of desert terrain, high-speed limits, and unpredictable weather. Dust storms often occur without any warning, making visibility nearly impossible. The road is also prone to extreme temperatures, which can lead to overheating and vehicle breakdowns.
Unfortunately, the Utah Advocates report, “a whopping one-third of accidents on this stretch of roadway involve a drunk driver”. So, keep yourself prepared for the weather and reckless drivers if you still want to travel on this road.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The tricky roads and unpredictable weather on the Blue Ridge Parkway can make it dangerous, especially for drivers unfamiliar with mountain driving. Dense fog often appears in the mornings, making it really hard to see. The road is also prone to icy conditions in the winter. To stay safe, drive at a slower pace, keep a safe distance, and always check the weather forecast before heading out on this road.
Interstate 15 (I-15)
Notorious for reckless drivers and high accident rates, during peak times, it’s common to encounter heavy traffic and aggressive driving on this road. The desert terrain also adds its own dangers, including long stretches without gas stations and extreme heat that can cause vehicle malfunctions and can be a direct risk to you if you break down. Take regular breaks and be aware of crazy drivers, especially in the more isolated sections.
Highway 17 in South Carolina
The South Carolina highway has some challenging roads with poorly marked intersections and unpredictable wildlife crossings. During heavy rain, the highway is even prone to flooding, making travelling along it much riskier.
In addition, the combination of tourists, locals, and truck traffic often means there is an unpredictable mix of drivers. If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s wise to slow down and take extra caution.
U.S. Route 71
With narrow lanes and a lack of modern features like wide shoulders or proper lighting, this route is especially dangerous at night. Truck traffic on Route 71 also adds to the risk, as they tend to take up more space and move at dangerously high speeds. There aren’t many emergency services along the road, so take it at your own risk!
U.S. Route 60
A rural road that’s prone to frequent weather changes, with small lanes that make it difficult to avoid slower vehicles. Are you scared yet? The absence of barriers on many sections of this route means there are no guardrails to stop you from veering off the road. At night, poorly lit stretches increase the risk of accidents, especially when drivers are fatigued. This route is safest during daylight hours when visibility is good, but always proceed with caution.
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