The United States has an extensive network of highways and roads connecting cities, towns, and breathtaking landscapes. While many of these roads offer smooth journeys and picturesque views, a few notorious stretches have gained a reputation for being perilous. We will take a thrilling ride through some of the most dangerous highways in the US, where white-knuckle driving is the norm. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a wild adrenaline-filled ride!
We drive on them every day, but some are safer than others. Some routes always have more accidents than others, whether because the speed limit is too high, there are too many cars on the road, or the road needs to be in better shape.
We at Way.com figured out where the most dangerous and deadly traffic patterns were by looking at data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and considering the usual traffic flow from the Federal Highway Administration.
10 Most Dangerous Highways in the US: Where Fear Meets the Asphalt
Regarding treacherous highways, the US has its fair share of contenders. Let’s explore some of the most notorious ones that have left drivers trembling.
Based on the number of accidents reported over the past ten years, here are the ten most dangerous highways in America:
Interstate 4 (I-4), Florida
Known as the “Highway to Hell,” I-4 stretches across Central Florida, connecting Tampa and Daytona Beach. This highway has it all – aggressive drivers, unpredictable weather, and endless tourists who forget how to use turn signals. It’s a thrilling rollercoaster ride with you praying for divine intervention at every exit.
This highway has witnessed 1011 accidents in the last ten years. This is far more than any other highway. It also has the biggest number of deaths: 1,079.
I-75
I-75 goes north to south from the Great Lakes to almost the southernmost point of Florida. Parts of the interstate in the Midwest, especially in Michigan, are dangerous in the winter when the roads are icy or have a lot of snow. If you live where it snows often, you should keep a winter emergency kit in your car.
Florida’s Gulf Coast is also full of dangerous places, like Fort Myers, Sarasota, and especially Tampa.
I-20
I-20 is one of the shorter roads on the list, but it is still very dangerous. The Highway I-20 starts in West Texas and ends in South Carolina. It goes through several high-traffic areas, such as Dallas, Texas, Jackson, Mississippi; and Atlanta, Georgia. These places added to the total number of deaths on the highway.
I-65
I-65, also called “Heroes Highway,” has had 336 accidents and an average of 34 deaths a year.
I-90
Even though there are an average of 27 deadly accidents on I-90 every year, the death of actress Jayne Mansfield in 1967 is the road’s most well-known tragedy. In the last ten years, 271 accidents and 295 deaths have occurred.
Driving in Louisiana is like navigating a never-ending obstacle course. Dodging potholes and rough patches on seemingly smooth roads is an art form here. If you make it out with all four wheels intact, consider yourself a champion of the asphalt jungle.
US-83
From the line between Texas and Oklahoma south to Brownsville, the longest highway in Texas has had 268 accidents and an average of 26 deaths a year over the past ten years.
I-40
When it opened, this route replaced most of the well-known Route 66. There have been 249 wrecks and 293 deaths in the last ten years on I-40.
I-35
I-35 goes from Laredo, Texas, near the border with Mexico, to Duluth, Minnesota, near the border with Canada. I-35 is dangerous for many reasons. One reason is that it goes through three of Texas’ most populous cities: San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. Second, thousands of 18-wheeler trucks use I-35 as their main route, which makes it especially hard to drive in some places.
Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), California
Driving along the breathtaking coastal cliffs of California might seem like a dream, but Highway 1 has a dark side. With its winding curves, blind corners, and jaw-dropping ocean views that tempt drivers to take their eyes off the road, this highway has claimed its fair share of victims. Consider bringing a change of pants if cliffside drops easily spook you.
I-5
The most dangerous route in Washington state is also the most traveled. There have been 245 accidents and 258 deaths on this highway.
Dalton Highway (Alaska Route 11)
Alaska’s Dalton Highway is the perfect choice if you have an adventurous spirit and a taste for danger. With its remote location and challenging conditions, including icy surfaces and truck convoys the size of small countries, this road will surely make you question your life choices. Just ensure you have enough snacks and patience for the endless stretches of nothingness.
I-4, I-75, and I-80 are three of the most dangerous highways in the United States. Texas (I-20 and I-35) and Florida (I-75 and I-95) each have parts of two of the most dangerous highways in the country.
Unleash Your Inner Road Wizard and Conquer Dangerous Highways!
The first step to improving roads is knowing which ones are dangerous. Every driver is an important part of keeping our roads safe, and each person must learn how to drive safely every time they get behind the wheel.
Even though some roads are thought to be more dangerous than others, the truth is that about 90% of accidents happen because of human error.
Here are the basic things you can do on any street to make driving safer.
Don’t drive while tired
Drivers who get under seven hours of sleep a night are four times more likely to get into an accident than drivers who get seven or more hours. Even though it might not seem like a big deal to lose a few hours of sleep, numbers show a direct link between less sleep and more accidents.
Driving while you’re tired can kill you. If you start to feel sleepy while driving, pull over, nap, drink water, or walk around. Do whatever it takes to feel alert enough to drive again.
Stop being distracted
Even though everyone knows drinking and driving is dangerous, many drivers don’t know that driving while distracted is just as dangerous. Taking or making a phone call, texting, looking at the GPS, talking to someone else in the car, or eating can be very dangerous if done at the wrong time or place.
Don’t get too close
About 30% of accidents are rear-end collisions, and the best way to avoid them is not to drive too close behind the car in front of you. Keeping the right distance between you and the car in front of you will give you time to adjust to any driving situation.
When you follow a car too closely, you need to pay attention to what’s happening around you on the road and give your car enough time to stop if the other driver slams on the brakes. Both scenarios can have deadly effects.
Buckle Up
If you can’t avoid a crash, you can at least keep the damage to a minimum. You can do this by taking the right safety measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that wearing a seatbelt is one of the best ways to stay safe in a crash.
Highway Havoc: The ‘Way’ to Safe Rides!
We’ve explored the wild and dangerous world of the United States’ most treacherous highways. From the “Highway to Hell” in Florida to the dangerous Dalton Highway in Alaska, these roads have tested the bravest adventurers’ nerves and driving skills. Statistics may point to certain highways as the deadliest. It’s important to remember that human error is the leading cause of accidents on any road.
To ensure safer journeys, we must all do our part. Remember, getting enough sleep before hitting the road can save lives, so don’t be a sleepyhead. Avoid distractions like phone calls or texting while driving because a moment’s inattention can lead to disaster.
So, as you embark on your next road trip, remember these tips and unleash your inner road wizard. Stay safe out there, and may the asphalt jungle not match your driving skills! And hey, if you encounter a few bumps along the way, remember they make for great storytelling later. Happy and safe travels on the most dangerous roads in the world!
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