When on a good, smooth surface with plenty of open road ahead of you and perhaps on a nice day with a cool breeze, driving can be a really fun and relaxing experience. However, there are plenty of roads and routes within the United States where that simply isn’t the case; roads that demand your upmost concentration and patience. These roads can be particularly hazardous for many different reasons, be it the conditions of the location, the driving surface, or the other drivers on the road. For whatever reason, here are some of the most dangerous roads in America.
Dalton Highway, Alaska
This is perhaps one of the most notoriously dangerous roads in, not just America, but the entire world. The highway is a nightmarish hellscape of snow, ice and freezing temperatures, making it a difficult road to navigate as it travels through forest, tundra’s and cliff edges.
What makes the road particularly dangerous is the 240 mile stretch of road where there are no gas stations, hotels or any other basic services to pull in if you find yourself in need. The road also has an increased risk of avalanches, not to mention that the road is frequently used by large vehicles and trucks, making it even more perilous.
I-15, Nevada
Between Las Vegas and Los Angeles is an 181 mile stretch of Interstate 15 that is thought to be one of the deadliest roads in the country. This is because the road is rampant with drivers who are either speeding or under the influence, making it particularly risky for hazards and collisions. It’s also not great for motorbikes either for this same reason, putting riders at greater risk of an accident. If you’ve been hurt in a bike accident you can check out this Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer post to see what to do next.
The weather is also a dangerous factor, as it’s situated in the desert under searing heat which can cause fatigue and severe dehydration. In the past 15 years alone, just over 1000 people have sadly perished on that road, making it a really risky road to drive on.
Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway
This stretch of road is as beautiful as it is dangerous. The road is situated 10,000 feet from sea level and traverses three mountain passes, offering amazing views of the great American landscape, but also tricky to navigate mountain side roads with sharp bends and turns. The majority of the road also fails to have any guardrails, making it a lot easier to slip off and plummet to your demise.
It’s said this road get’s its name after an early traveler declared that you’d have to pay them a million dollars to get them to ride it again, illustrating how scary the route can be.
I-45, Houston, Texas
This interstate route was ranked as the second deadliest highway after analysis found that it averaged 56.5 fatal accidents every 100 miles of roadway. The most dangerous part of the route is found in Houston, as it has a significantly bad death rate due to 51 fatal wrecks spanning from 2011 to 2015.