There are highways all over the United States, but some are far more dangerous than others. There are quite a few factors that have led to them being so perilous. High traffic volumes, poor road design, and extreme weather make certain stretches of road in this country particularly deadly. Here’s a list of some of the deadliest highways in the United States.
I-95 (East Coast Corridor)
Running through as many as 15 states, I-95 is famous for its high accident rates. With heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, and congested urban areas, it’s no wonder crashes are so frequent. Sudden lane changes and unpredictable stops all add to the chaos, especially near some of the bigger cities like Miami and New York.
U.S. Route 1 (Florida to Maine)
Known for its amazing views, U.S. Route 1 also has a really bad reputation for crashes. Sharp turns and a lack of dividers in some parts of the road add up to make it a very dangerous place to drive.
The stretch through the Florida Keys and Miami is particularly hazardous because there are a lot of distracted tourists and speeding drivers. This road has a lot of factors that make it particularly dangerous.
I-4 (Florida)
Stretching from Tampa to Daytona Beach, I-4 has earned the nickname “Deadliest Highway in America.” Not only does this road experience frequent rainstorms, but it also has high-speed drivers who create a perfect storm for crashes. Its status as a hurricane evacuation route only adds to the absolute chaos it experiences during emergencies, making it a challenging road to navigate safely for anyone who attempts it.
I-10 (Southern U.S.)
As one of the longest interstates in the country, I-10 sees a really wide variety of hazards. In the urban areas of Houston and Los Angeles, you’ll find congestion that threatens small collisions every day. In other areas, barren desert stretches present other unique challenges on this highway.
Sudden weather changes and speeding drivers make certain portions, like the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge in Louisiana, a serious risk for every driver.
U.S. Route 550 (Colorado)
The “Million Dollar Highway” is incredibly beautiful but also incredibly risky. With sheer drop-offs and no guardrails in certain areas, it’s a nerve-wracking drive for even the most experienced of drivers. Winter conditions only make these problems worse, as snow and ice make the steep inclines nearly impossible to navigate safely. You might think twice before attempting this highway, but if it’s winter, definitely steer clear.
I-285 (Atlanta Perimeter)
Going around Atlanta, I-285 is a very dangerous place to drive your car. Since there are so many vehicles, including heavy trucks, it leads to frequent crashes at high and low speeds. Short on-ramps and sudden lane merges complicate the flow of traffic. It’s a route that requires constant vigilance, especially during rush hour.
U.S. Route 2 (Montana)
In Montana, U.S. Route 2 has earned its reputation as one of the deadliest rural highways in the country. Limited access to emergency services and super long stretches without any rest areas make accidents even more scary. Wildlife crossings and icy winter conditions only make matters worse, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
I-15 (California to Montana)
Urban congestion is always a recipe for disaster, but if you drive along the I-15, you will also encounter some scary desert roads. The stretch near Las Vegas is particularly hazardous because of all the hungover tourists and other drivers rushing in and out.
Sudden weather changes in the mountainous regions along this route also add an extra layer of risk, making it one of the trickiest highways to navigate.
U.S. Route 101 (California)
While U.S. Route 101 offers breathtaking views of the Pacific, it’s also one of the deadliest roads in California. Why? Well, the sharp curves and heavy fog near the coast create some really dangerous conditions for any driver who attempts the trip. Urban sections in Los Angeles and San Francisco also see frequent crashes because they’re some of the most congested places in the entire country.
I-80 (East-West Corridor)
A highway that experiences a mix of weather conditions and road challenges is a recipe for disaster. The stretch of this road through Wyoming is especially treacherous during winter because icy roads and strong winds make driving through it nearly impossible. The high-speed limits also raise problems with a lot of people suffering from tiredness after all the long distances they’ve covered.
U.S. Route 41 (Florida)
The Tamiami Trail goes through rural and urban Florida, even including stretches through the Everglades. This makes it a prime spot for wildlife crossings and unfamiliar tourists who have no idea what to expect when they make the trip. Its two-lane design in some areas massively increases the risk of head-on collisions and makes this road a terrible choice.
I-70 (Colorado to Maryland)
As it cuts through the Rocky Mountains, the I-70 naturally encounters a lot of extremely dangerous conditions, particularly in Colorado. Snowstorms and steep roads will test even the most experienced drivers. The Eisenhower Tunnel section can also become a bottleneck, which causes really sudden stops and a lot of accidents as a result.
U.S. Route 192 (Florida)
Serving as a gateway to some of the biggest theme parks in the country, U.S. Route 192 in Florida is plagued by distracted tourists. Frequent stops, sudden lane changes, and pedestrian crossings make it a ridiculously chaotic place to drive. Not only does this route endanger you and your passengers, it endangers thousands of other people on the roads.
When everyone’s thinking about an amusement park, they’re definitely not paying attention to the roads.
I-35 (Midwest U.S.)
Construction zones and high-speed limits create a recipe for disaster along this highway. A mix of urban and rural stretches has a lot of different variables that combine to make some very unpredictable conditions. Severe weather in the Midwest, including tornadoes, adds another layer of danger to this busy highway. If you do decide to venture out, make sure to check the weather first.
U.S. Route 30 (Pennsylvania)
One of the oldest transcontinental highways in the U.S., this is a very dangerous choice. The stretch through Pennsylvania is particularly bad because the roads are really small, and the bends are very sharp.
Combine this with high traffic volume, and you’re asking for crashes. Frequent fog in rural areas reduces visibility, which also leads to an increased risk of crashes.
Alaska’s Dalton Highway
The Dalton Highway is one of the most remote and treacherous roads in the country. Its gravel surface, extreme weather conditions, and lack of amenities make it a very hazardous trek. Even if you have a vehicle capable of surviving, frequent wildlife encounters and long stretches without cell service add to the challenges, making it a route few dare to take without proper preparation.