The 8 Most Dangerous Roads in the U.S.
The United States reports an alarming number of car accidents yearly. According to Consumer Shield, the typical annual range of crashes is 5 million to 6 million. The number recorded in 2023 was 6.14 million.
A significant percentage of these crashes are reported on certain roads, making them America’s most dangerous highways. This guide discusses eight of those routes.
If you live in the U.S., and must travel these routes, use extreme caution. The higher risks on these roads are due to design, traffic, weather, driver behaviors, and other factors.
Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys collects data from reliable sources to help drivers obtain accurate information. Additionally, we are committed to helping accident victims protect their rights.
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Factors Contributing to Accidents
Several factors contribute to the accidents reported in the country. These include:
- Poor road design and maintenance: Unfortunately, some roads lack safety features, like guardrails and shoulders, have dangerous curves, lack sufficient lighting, and are poorly maintained.
- High traffic volume and congestion: More vehicles on the road can increase the risk of accidents.
- Weather extremes: Ice, snow, fog, heavy rain, and dust can significantly reduce traction and a driver’s visibility.
- Driver behavior: Drivers who engage in speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, unsafe lane changing, and drowsy driving, among other risky behaviors, are more likely to cause an accident.
- Unique geographical challenges: Roads in mountainous regions often have sharp turns and elevation changes, making them more prone to accidents.
The Eight Most Dangerous Roads in the U.S.
1. I-95 (Various States, Especially Florida)
Interstate 95 (I-95) is the main north-south Interstate highway on the U.S. East Coast, passing through 15 states. It runs from Miami, Florida, to Houlton, Maine. Florida is the state with the longest stretch of the highway.
I-95 is considered one of the most dangerous highways in the U.S., as it records many crashes, with most of them being reported in Florida. The common factors that contribute to these accidents are high traffic volume and congestion, speeding, driver negligence, harsh weather conditions, and heavy truck traffic.
When driving on I-95, avoid distractions, maintain a safe following distance, be cautious when changing or merging lanes, and adjust your driving based on the diverse weather patterns you will experience along the way.
The I-95 stretch between the I-595 interchange and Marina Mile Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is considered “America’s deadliest mile.”
2. US-1 (Florida Keys – Overseas Highway)
The U.S. Route 1 or U.S. Highway 1 (US 1) is a major north-south United States Numbered Highway serving the east coast. It starts from Key West, Florida, and ends in Fort Kent, Maine, at the Canadian border.
In the Florida Keys, this road is referred to as the Overseas Highway because it runs over a series of bridges and causeways connecting the islands. A concerning number of overseas highway deaths have been reported over the years.
Many accidents on U.S. 1 are caused by heavy traffic, urban congestion, lack of proper road maintenance in some sections, distracted driving, and coastal hazards, such as flooding, erosion, and severe weather conditions.
You need to drive within the speed limit, maintain a safe following distance, and adjust your speed and driving style based on different weather conditions.
3. Tail of the Dragon (US-129, North Carolina/Tennessee)
The Tail of the Dragon is the name of an 11-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 129 in North Carolina and Tennessee. This stretch was given this name because it has 318 curves, which resemble the tail of a dragon.
The numerous, tight curves make the road challenging for motorcyclists and drivers, increasing the chances of accidents occurring. Overtaking is not allowed on this stretch because the route has rock walls, numerous curves, limited built-in safety features, blind spots, and limited visibility.
4. Dalton Highway (Alaska)
The Dalton Highway, a 414-mile road in Alaska, is a highway that starts near Livengood and ends in Deadhorse. The highway was built primarily using gravel and dirt on permafrost (a permanently frozen ground), which presents unique challenges, including permafrost thawing that can lead to potholes on the road.
Besides, with large sections of the road being unpaved gravel and dirt, the road can be dusty in dry conditions, leading to reduced visibility.
If you are going to use this highway, be prepared for changing road conditions, don’t speed, and be mindful of commercial trucks.
5. I-70 (Colorado)
Interstate 70 (I-70) is a major highway in the U.S., running from east to west, from Cove Fort, Utah, to Baltimore, Maryland, passing through ten states. Colorado has the longest stretch of I-70.
The Colorado stretch is considered the most dangerous due to high altitude, steep grades, potholes, traffic congestion, severe weather conditions, and wildlife migration patterns.
In addition to observing traffic rules, be on the lookout for animal movement near the road.
6. I-20 (Texas)
Interstate 20 (I-20) is a major east-west highway that starts in Kent, Texas, and ends in Florence, South Carolina, passing six states. The longest stretch of the highway is in Texas.
The I-20 in Texas is among the deadliest highways in America. Between 2015 and 2021, 55,926 crashes were reported, which was 8.3% of all statewide interstate crashes for the same period.
Accidents on I-20 in Texas are mostly caused by heavy truck traffic, driver negligence, and increased construction activity. When on this highway, obey posted speed limits, reduce speed in construction zones, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid distractions.
7. I-5 (California)
Interstate 5 (I-5) in California is the state’s longest highway, running north to south from the Mexican border to the Oregon state line. It’s among the most dangerous roads in the U.S because of the high number of accidents reported yearly, especially in urban areas, like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento.
The common causes of accidents on I-5 are congestion, speeding, drunk driving, heavy truck traffic, and poor road conditions in some areas. To stay safe on this highway, you should stay focused, maintain a safe following distance, and obey traffic laws.
8. I-75
Interstate 75 (I-75) is a major north-south highway from Miami, Florida, to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passing through six states. The state with the longest stretch is Florida.
The I-75 is on this list of the deadliest highways in America because it has high traffic volume and congestion, construction zones, and harsh weather conditions that lead to accidents. Other factors that contribute to accidents are aggressive driving and poor road maintenance.
When driving on I-75, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid distractions.
What To Do After an Accident on a Dangerous Road
If you are involved in an accident on any of the most dangerous roads in America, you should:
- Call 911 to report the accident and get emergency medical attention.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, vehicle information, and insurance details.
- Take photos and videos of the scene, and collect witness contact information.
- Do not admit fault.
- Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to understand your options.
Tips for Driving on Dangerous Roads
When driving on the deadliest roads in America, it’s vital to:
- Stay focused and alert: Distractions endanger you and other road users.
- Drive defensively: Anticipate potential hazards and adjust your driving accordingly, by:
- Maintaining a safe following distance, and increasing it when following a larger vehicle.
- Using proper signals, so other road users know your intentions.
- Being mindful of road conditions, and adjusting your driving.
- Check your mirrors: Adjust your mirrors properly, and use them to see what’s happening around you.
It’s also important to remember to stay calm in case of an accident.
If you are involved in an accident on any of the most dangerous roads in the U.S., the team at Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys can help you fight for your rights. Our Tampa car accident attorneys will obtain more information about the accident, file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, and handle negotiations to get fair compensation.
Are Older Roads Inherently More Dangerous Than Newer Ones?
While older roads lack some of the safety features that newly designed roads have, they are not inherently more dangerous. With proper maintenance and upgrades, they can remain safe for years.
Do Speed Limits Actually Make Roads Safer?
Yes. Generally, speed limits make roads safer, as they provide drivers with time and space to react to hazards and unexpected events.
Are There Specific Times of Day When Roads Are More Dangerous?
Morning and evening rush hours (7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.) are considered more dangerous due to higher traffic volume and increased congestion. Late night hours (12 a.m. – 6 a.m.) also record a high number of accidents due to distracted, drowsy, and drunk driving.
How Do Road Conditions Impact Driving Safety?
Road conditions affect a vehicle’s traction, braking distance, and overall handling. Poor road conditions can reduce tire grip and increase stopping distance.
What’s the Difference Between a Highway and a Road?
A highway is a type of road (a major road designed for high-speed travel over longer distances), often connecting cities or regions, whereas a road is a general term for all types of paths for travel.
Sources:
Edwards, S. (2025). How Many Car Accidents Per Year In U.S. Chart.
Hall, D. (2024). Why I-95 Is the East Coast’s Most Dangerous Highway.
Importance of a Medical Examination After an Auto Injury. (n.d.).