9 Most Dangerous Highways & Roads In The US (2025)

What makes a highway dangerous?

Lots of things combine to make a highway or road particularly hazardous.

It's not just about speed. It's a complex interplay of design, driver behavior, and environmental factors.

• Poor road design: This includes sharp, unexpected turns, inadequate signage, faded lane markings, or improperly graded surfaces that lead to water pooling. Roads with steep drop-offs or missing guardrails also increase the severity of potential accidents.
• Missing or confusing signs: Inadequate signage can lead to missed exits or sudden stops, increasing crash risks.
• High speed limits: Higher speeds amplify the force of impact in a collision, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities. On average, higher speed limits correlate with a greater chance of fatal crashes.
• Traffic congestion: While slow moving traffic might seem safer, heavy congestion can lead to frustration and aggressive driving. Frequent lane changes can cause fender benders and more severe crashes, especially when speeds vary.
• Proximity to bars and restaurants: Areas with a high concentration of places serving alcohol can see an increased incidence of impaired driving, particularly during certain hours or days.
• Remote locations: Roads in remote areas might lack proper lighting, immediate emergency services, or even basic amenities like gas stations, increasing risks if a driver encounters an issue.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces can damage vehicles, cause drivers to swerve, and contribute to accidents.
• Uncleared ice and snow: Slippery conditions reduce traction and control, particularly in winter-prone regions.
• Driver behavior: Distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and aggressive maneuvers are significant contributors to accidents on any road, but their impact is amplified on already hazardous routes.

By being aware of these risks, you can hopefully plan ahead and stay safe while on the road.

Top 10 most dangerous highways in the US

The following highways consistently appear on lists of the deadliest roads and highways in the US.

The causes are often due to a combination of factors including high traffic volume, long stretches, and varying driving conditions.

These figures are based on recent analyses and may reflect data from 2019-2022¹, as comprehensive 2025 data becomes available later in the year.

• I-95: This major East Coast artery is often cited as the most dangerous due to its immense traffic volume and long stretches. In 2020, it recorded 379 fatalities with a risk score of 97.69. Its high fatality rate per 100 miles, at 14.88 in 2019, highlights the severe risks.
• I-75: Running from Florida to Michigan, I-75 experiences significant congestion, particularly in urban areas. It recorded 246 deaths in 2020, with a risk score of 90.86.
• I-5: This West Coast interstate saw 193 fatalities in 2020 and a fatality rate of 13.47 per 100 miles in 2019. Its long path through major California counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego, contributes to its high numbers.
• I-35: Stretching from Minnesota to Texas, I-35 recorded 197 fatalities in 2019, with many occurring in Texas. Its fatality rate was 12.56 per 100 miles.
• I-20: This interstate runs from Texas to South Carolina. In 2019, it was one of the deadliest with 208 fatalities and 13.52 fatalities per 100 miles.
• I-40: Spanning from California to North Carolina, I-40 had 253 fatalities in 2019. A segment in Arizona's Coconino County is particularly dangerous, with 9 fatalities.
• I-15: This highway, which connects California to Montana, saw 158 fatalities in 2019, with a rate of 11.02 per 100 miles.
• I-80: One of the longest US highways, I-80 recorded 209 fatalities in 2019, with a rate of 7.21 fatalities per 100 miles.
• I-70: This east-west interstate stretching from Utah to Maryland saw 158 deaths in 2019.
• US-41: The only non-interstate highway on this list, US-41 recorded 141 fatalities in 2019, with a rate of 7.02 per 100 miles.

Top 10 most dangerous roads in the US

While many of America’s deadliest roads are major highways² and interstates, several non-highway routes are notorious for their high crash rates, challenging geography, and hazardous conditions.

Here are the top 10 most dangerous roads in the US not classified as highways or interstates:

1. Tail of the Dragon (US 129), North Carolina/Tennessee: Famous for its 318 curves in just 11 miles, this mountain road is a hotspot for motorcycle and sports car accidents, averaging about one death per year and dozens of crashes annually.
2. Pikes Peak Highway, Colorado: A 19-mile ascent with an average 7% grade and numerous hairpin turns, making it perilous for drivers unaccustomed to steep, winding roads.
3. Skyline Drive, Colorado: A narrow, one-lane scenic route with no guardrails and steep drop-offs, increasing the risk of severe accidents, especially for distracted or speeding drivers.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina: Known for its winding roads, sharp drop-offs, and frequent fog, the parkway saw over 349 crashes in 2019, ranging from minor to fatal.
5. Overseas Highway (US 1), Florida Keys: This 113-mile stretch connects the Florida Keys to the mainland, with frequent accidents due to potholes, lack of shoulders, and exposure to severe weather.
6. Highway 41 & Highway 997, Tamiami, Florida: The Tamiami Trail and its intersections are notorious for poor visibility, speeding, and some of the highest collision rates in the country—over 76 collisions per 1,000 vehicles.
7. Highway 285 & Highway 302, Pecos, Texas: Nicknamed “Death Highway,” this oilfield corridor is infamous for hazardous weather, heavy truck traffic, and a high rate of serious collisions.
8. US Route 83, Texas: This rural road sees about 34 fatalities annually, with long, isolated stretches and limited emergency services making it especially dangerous.
9. US Route 2, Montana/North Dakota: Noted for long, rural, and often icy stretches, this road is hazardous due to limited visibility, poor weather, and scarce emergency response.
10. US Route 17, South Carolina: This coastal route is known for high-speed, two-lane sections and frequent head-on collisions, especially in rural areas.

These roads are especially dangerous due to sharp curves, steep grades, poor visibility, lack of guardrails, and challenging weather conditions.

You should definitely exercise extra caution if you’re driving on these roads, especially if unfamiliar with these routes or traveling in adverse weather!

Most dangerous highways by state

Road danger varies significantly by state³, influenced by geography, infrastructure investment, and driving culture.

• Mississippi: Mississippi has the highest traffic fatality rate in the US. A combination of poor road conditions, high-speed accidents, and low seatbelt usage contribute to its deadly driving environment. In 2022, Mississippi also ranked among the worst for drunk driving-related fatalities. It has a high rate of 26.2 deaths per 100,000 people.
• South Carolina: With 23.1 road deaths per 100,000 people, South Carolina frequently ranks high for fatalities. Its Interstate 95 sees an average of 30 fatalities annually.
• New Mexico: This state has one of the highest rates of fatal crashes per capita, often due to DUIs and distracted driving. It recorded 22.7 deaths per 100,000 people. Interstate 40 in New Mexico averages 40 annual fatalities.
• Arkansas: Arkansas records 22.9 road deaths per 100,000 people. Its rural road network, often lacking proper lighting or guardrails, contributes to high accident rates. US 65 sees an average of 14 fatal accidents each year.
• Arizona: This state consistently ranks among the worst for speeding-related fatalities, with 16.2 deaths per 100,000 people. Interstate 10, US-60, and Interstate 17 in Maricopa County are particularly dangerous, with numerous fatalities.
• Louisiana: With 21.0 road deaths per 100,000 people, Louisiana faces challenges with its wet climate and unstable soil affecting road conditions. US 90 in Louisiana sees an average of 29.5 fatalities annually.
• Florida: Florida reports 17.1 road deaths per 100,000 people. Its US 1 highway tops the list with 108 average annual deaths.
• Texas: Texas had the most speeding fatalities in 2022, with 1,521 deaths. Interstate 45 between Galveston and Dallas is particularly congested and dangerous.
• Wyoming: Despite its lower population, Wyoming has a high fatality rate of 10.3 per capita for speeding fatalities.
• California: While California's fatality rate per 100,000 people is lower (10.9), its sheer size and traffic volume mean it records a high number of overall road deaths, with 4,285 in 2022. Several California highways, like I-5 and I-880, have high fatal crash densities.

5 Behaviors that increase motor vehicle risk

Here are five behaviors that significantly increase motor vehicle risk:

• Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit remains one of the most common and dangerous behaviors, contributing to over a quarter of fatal crashes in the US.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, using a phone, or adjusting in-car controls divert attention from the road and are a leading cause of accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Behaviors like tailgating, rapid lane changes, and running red lights increase the likelihood of collisions and are widely recognized as high-risk actions.
• Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs greatly impairs judgment and reaction times, leading to a significant number of traffic fatalities each year.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Failing to signal or check blind spots before changing lanes can result in sideswipe or merging accidents, especially in heavy traffic.

These behaviors not only endanger the driver but also pose serious risks to all road users.

Driving in the US

Despite these sobering statistics, there is a positive outlook.

Increased investment in America's roads, particularly after the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is beginning to show results.

In 2023, the share of roads in good condition increased to 55.2%, a nearly 10 percentage point improvement.

This sustained effort in infrastructure development, coupled with ongoing public awareness campaigns for safer driving practices, provides a strong foundation for reducing accidents and fatalities on our nation's roads.

Every individual plays a part in this collective safety endeavor through responsible driving.

Drive safe out there!

Don’t forget, the Mighty's AI personal injury claims service can assist with every legal aspect of your insurance claim.

Dangerous highway FAQs

How can I identify a dangerous section of road while driving?

Look for clues like excessive speed limit changes, frequent accident markers, faded or confusing lane markings, poor visibility around curves, or an unusual number of emergency vehicles. Trust your instincts if a section feels unsafe.

Does bad weather significantly impact road safety on these dangerous highways?

Yes, inclement weather like heavy rain, snow, ice, or dense fog dramatically reduces visibility and traction, making already dangerous highways even more hazardous. Always adjust your speed and increase following distance in poor conditions.

Are there specific times when these roads are most dangerous?

Generally, peak commuting hours experience higher traffic volume and increased accident risk. Late nights, particularly on weekends, can also be more dangerous due to potential impaired driving and fatigue.

What are some immediate steps drivers can take to improve their safety on high-risk roads?

Maintain a safe following distance, avoid distractions like mobile phones, stick to speed limits, use turn signals consistently, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Staying alert and well-rested also makes a significant difference.

How do authorities plan to improve safety on these identified dangerous roads in the future?

Future plans often involve a multi-faceted approach. This includes engineering improvements like better road design, enhanced lighting, and guardrail installations. They also focus on enforcement of traffic laws and public education campaigns to promote safer driving habits. Additionally, incorporating smart road technologies such as real-time traffic monitoring and adaptive signal systems is an ongoing strategy.

Image Source⁴

Sources

1. ONFOCUS: 10 US Highways with the Highest Risk Scores: https://www.onfocus.news/10-u-s-highways-with-the-highest-risk-scores-a-deep-dive-into-americas-deadliest-roads/
2. GOMotive: Top 10 Most Dangerous Roadways for Commercial Vehicles: https://gomotive.com/blog/top-10-most-dangerous-roadways/
3. SummitFleet: Most Dangerous Roads in Each US State: https://summitfleet.com/blog/most-dangerous-roads-each-state/
4. Presidentman - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8913196

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