Every time you get behind the wheel, you’re taking a risk of never coming back home again. This sobering reminder should give every driver time to reflect on how they should conduct themselves on the road. Unfortunately, some streets have higher highway accident risks in the US. These dangerous highways in the USA have continually made it on the list of unsafe roads in America.
While you might not be able to avoid certain highways or roads, knowing which are considered the deadliest highways can help you stay on high alert, drive defensively, and get home safely to your loved ones.
Wagner Reese is a personal injury law firm that represents injured victims and their families in car accidents. In this blog post, we highlight the highways where fatal crashes occur most frequently, what you can do to stay safe, and how an auto wreck lawyer in Indianapolis can help.
Factors That Contribute to Dangerous Roads and the Deadliest Highways
Highways are generally safer than any road with an intersection, and while drivers will travel at a faster speed on them, there are added dangers that can contribute to fatalities. The road infrastructure itself is one of the most significant factors since areas with more interchanges tend to be the most common point for crashes, especially with a high volume of traffic.
Reckless driving and intoxication remain other troubling issues for highway drivers. When these types of drivers get onto the interstate, they put everyone at greater risk. Some may weave in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed, going beyond the posted speed limit, which can cause a deadly accident.
The Most Dangerous Highway in the US and 9 More Dangerous Highways
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data and data from the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) were used to determine the most dangerous highways in terms of the most fatal crashes. It ranks I-95 as the deadliest, and lists 9 others as the most common points for highway deaths.
1. I-95
NHTSA’s data reveals I-95 to be the most dangerous highway with the most fatal crashes. This highway that runs up the East Coast is unsurprisingly more hazardous in the Northeast during winter. However, many of the accidents also occurred in Florida on the East Coast, just outside of Orlando, and a bit further north in Jacksonville, Florida.
In particular, Interstate 95 is also known as a deadly stretch in Miami, Florida. Urban areas like these are more common hot spots for accidents and fatalities due to the varying interchanges and heavy commuting.
2. I-4
Interstate 4, located in Central Florida, is one of the most hazardous highways, with a death rate of 1.134 per mile. With loads of tourists heading to the theme parks and attractions, coupled with daily Florida commuters, it is the site of many fatal crashes. The infrastructure has largely been to blame, though officials have been making great efforts to improve safety on this highway.
3. U.S. Highway 1
Another Florida highway has made the list on the east coast of the state. U.S. 1 spans from Maine down to Key West. The precarious area running through South Florida is the most common spot for these deadly crashes. Since the road whittles down to just a few lanes heading into the Florida Keys, it’s little wonder that this is one of America’s most dangerous places to drive.
4. I-10
Interstate 10 runs for many miles, nearly 2,500 of them parallel across the country, spanning from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida. Right in the middle of it, through Houston and El Paso, Texas, are the crashes that result in the most deaths.
5. State Road 138
On the West Coast in California, State Road 138 is often referred to as “Death Trap Highway.” It is riddled with challenges for drivers, including significant drop-offs and sharp turns, and is notorious for poor visibility. Coupled with dangerous driving behaviors from those who aren’t abiding by traffic laws, it is one of the most fearsome roads in America.
6. Highway 41
Closer to home in Indiana, Highway 41, running parallel along the border with Illinois from Evansville, averages just over 7 deaths per 100 miles every year.
7. I-40
Interstate 40, or I-40, runs through several states, though the section where it passes through Arizona is reported to be the most dangerous.
8. I-5
Interstate 5 in California is among the most dangerous roads in America. Heavy traffic seems to be the most significant cause of fatalities on this interstate.
9. Highway 99
Highway 99 in California has a deadly stretch in the Central Valley that is prone to fatal accidents. The aging infrastructure, with its narrow lanes and poor lighting, coupled with many long straightaways that move into sudden and tight turns, plays a significant role in this route.
10. I-20
I-20 might be a shorter stretch of highway that starts in Texas and goes through South Carolina, though it has some high-traffic areas that see many deaths after crashes. The most prone areas are Dallas, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, and Jackson, Mississippi.
While traffic safety measures across the nation are helping to curb these deaths, state officials must focus on each stretch of a dangerous route and maintain the roads to keep the rate of accidents and fatalities down.
Safety Tips to Help You Avoid Fatal Crashes on Dangerous Roads
Anywhere you go in the country, near or far, you always have the risk of an accident. However, when you’re on one of these notoriously dangerous routes, take the proper steps to avoid becoming a statistic.
Stay Alert and Pay Attention
Before taking on any drive, whether it’s your daily commute or a road trip, make sure you are alert and focused. Pay attention to what you’re doing and avoid distractions, especially if the weather is inclement.
Plan for Heavy Traffic Areas
If your route includes passing through an area of heavy traffic, allow for extra time. This will help you drive more cautiously rather than feeling the need to rush.
Be Well-Rested
On your day-to-day commute, make sure you get enough sleep every night to be alert for your daily drive. For road trips, make sure you stop to take enough breaks and get the rest you need before carrying on with the rest of your journey.
Follow Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are meant to keep everyone safe, and even if you’re in an unfamiliar area, following these rules will help you avoid scary surprises and danger.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident on a Deadly Stretch of Highway
No matter where you get into an accident, it can be a terrifying ordeal. Make sure that you call 911 immediately to report the crash. You should also move your vehicle out of the way. Your safety is paramount, and one of the biggest challenges on the deadliest roads is getting out of the path of traffic.
Make sure that you get medical care for your injuries and document the accident scene with photos and videos. Your injuries may result in costly expenses, and if the driver of another vehicle caused the crash, you can seek compensation by taking legal action. Any accident that results in fatalities due to negligence of another party allows surviving family members to take legal action as well.
If you or a loved one were in an accident on a deadly road or any road, you should speak with an attorney to make sure you understand your legal rights. Wagner Reese is here for victims in these circumstances and will fight for your fair compensation. Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your crash and let us work on your behalf to serve justice.
