You may know some crazy facts about your state, but what do you know about the roads? Does your state have one of the deadliest roads in the United States? Let’s look at how these deadly roads are determined and if your state is on the list.
How Are the Deadliest Roads in the US Determined?
The deadliest roads in the US are determined based on different factors, such as:
- Number of accidents
- Fatality rates
- Weather conditions
- Speeds
- Blind spots
Deadliest Roads in the United States
You may not be surprised that many of the deadliest roads are highways. Here are some of the deadliest roads in the US. Some states have multiple deadly roads or highways.
1. Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)
Colorado is known for its scenic landscapes, ski resorts, wildlife, and much more. This state is also home to one of the deadliest roads in the US. The Million Dollar Highway is a winding road 11,000 feet above sea level that extends through the Red Mountain Pass in the San Juan Mountains.
This highway got its name for the terrifying elements it contains. The story behind this highway is that a woman drove the route and said she’d need to be paid 1 million dollars to drive the route again. The Million Dollar Highway is full of insane turns and it doesn’t help that the weather is often unfavorable for driving. This 25-mile stretch of highway has no guardrails and lots of close cliff edges.
2. Road to Hana (Maui, Hawaii)
Surprisingly, not all deadly and dangerous roads are in contiguous states. If you’re looking for the perfect ocean breeze and tropical scenery, Hawaii may be your dream vacation location. However, beware of the road to Hana.
This road has over 580 turns and curves with over 50 narrow bridges. Although this specific route is only 52 miles, it takes most drivers at least 2 hours to safely complete it. The Road to Hana is a tourist attraction because of the beautiful views. The Hawaii Tourism Authority suggests seeing these amazing views by taking a tour instead of venturing on your own to see what the road beholds.
3. Overseas Highway (Route-1/Florida)
Florida, like Hawaii, is a great location for experiencing tropical sunrises, great food, and awesome views. Florida makes this list because of the Overseas Highway. Although this highway paves a straight path up the eastern coast, you’d be mistaken if you thought driving on this highway was a breeze.
What makes the Overseas Highway dangerous? This 113-mile stretch of highway features a lot of bridges and narrow strips. Since Florida doesn’t yet have a ban on using handheld devices while driving, drivers can easily be distracted. The Overseas Highway features 2 narrow traffic lanes connecting Florida’s mainland to the Florida Keys.
Even though you’ll see incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico simultaneously, add a bunch of potholes, a lack of shoulders on this highway, and distracted drivers, you’ve got the perfect recipe for one of the deadliest roads in the US.
4. US Route 17 (South Carolina)
Many things may come to mind when you think of South Carolina, but you probably aren’t thinking about US Route 17. How did US Route 17 make the list of deadly highways? US Route 17 is home to a lot of wildlife, forests, and marshlands. In addition to these factors, this route extends through seaside towns, which can contribute to the number of accidents that occur.
Between 2015 and 2017, there were over 70 fatal traffic accidents. This route connects Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Most of these accidents occur during the summer months when South Carolina experiences an influx of tourists.
5. I-45 (Texas)
The saying goes that everything is bigger in Texas. That may be true, but I-45 made this list for a reason. I-45 connects Dallas and Galveston, and is one of the most dangerous roads in the country! This highway is known for having at least 50 fatalities for every 100 miles each year.
When it comes to I-45, it’s not the terrain that makes this highway dangerous. I-45 is notorious for drivers with road rage. Combine road-raging drivers with driver complacency and extreme congestion, and you’ve got one of the deadliest roads in the US.
6. I-10 (Arizona)
Arizona is known for its beautiful wonders of nature, such as the Grand Canyon and its Wild West legacy. In addition to its captivating wonders of nature, Arizona is also known for its free-for-all highway, I-10. This long stretch of highway is approximately 300 miles long and features lush, green areas and desert-like conditions. The I-10 highway runs through the length of the US. It extends from Jacksonville, Florida, to Santa Monica, California.
Much of this highway is empty road (not much to see, just land) and many drivers see this road as an invitation to fulfill their need for speed, making this highway one of the most dangerous in the US. Although there are posted speed limits, many drivers ignore them and engage in reckless driving, such as illegal passing, excessive speed, and distracted and aggressive driving. In 6 years, over 450 people died along the empty stretch of road on this highway.
7. Tail of the Dragon (North Carolina)
The Tail of the Dragon extends 11 miles between Route 28 in North Carolina and US Route 129 in Tennessee at Tabcat Creek Bridge. This is yet another road that many thrillseekers enjoy, especially motorcycle riders. This road has over 300 curves which seems to be a dream come true for sports car enthusiasts. The Tail of the Dragon offers scenic views and the curves and turns make this road a challenge that many drivers wish to conquer.
Although this road averages only 1 death per year, some years, such as 2019, had more than 100 accidents occur with some of the results being fatal and mostly involving motorcycles.
8. Pikes Peak Highway (Colorado)
Colorado makes the list again with Pikes Peak Highway. AAA states this highway is one of the most treacherous in the county, which is mostly based on this highway’s street grade. Street grades are a measure of a road’s steepness as it rises and falls during the extent of the route. Pikes Peak Highway has a 7% street grade, which means this road rises 7 feet vertically for every 100 feet of horizontal distance traveled.
This is a beautiful, but dangerous road that has hairpin turns that catches drivers by surprise, especially those who are speeding. On this highway, non-motorists are also in danger. Over 1,000 reported accidents involved pedestrians and cyclists within a single 5-year span.
9. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia)
Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best places on the East Coast to take in beautiful views of nature. However, Blue Ridge Parkway is also a dangerous route that’s full of sharp turns and drop-offs. Like Pikes Peak Highway, these turns take many drivers by surprise.
This road runs for 469 miles through 29 counties in North Carolina and Virginia. Blue Ridge Parkway has narrow shoulders and tight corners and is the busiest road in the National Park System. In 2019 alone, there were over 300 auto accidents that ranged from mild fender benders to fatal accidents.
10. Montana Highway 2 (Montana)
Montana is another state that is known for its natural beauty, cowboy culture, and of course, Yellowstone National Park. This state is also home to tons of natural resources. However, this is not the reason Montana Highway 2 is one of the deadliest roads in the US.
A pleasant driver on Montana Highway 2 can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. This highway extends from east to west through Montana and is mostly an empty highway. The Montana Highway 2 has a 70 mph speed limit that is often ignored by drivers. Since this stretch of highway is mostly land and not as populated with exits, gas stations, and stores, a lot of drivers take advantage and put the pedal to the metal.
In addition to being a long stretch of highway, the reality of the danger sets in because help is not readily available. When you mix dangerous speed with an average of a 45-minute emergency response time or travel time to the closest EMS station, you’ve got the ingredients for a catastrophe.
If you find yourself on any of these roads, stay alert of your surroundings and drive safely! Take your time and drive slowly when you’re turning and watch for road changes!