Top 10 Most Dangerous Roads in the U.S.
The United States’ National Highway System consists of a matrix of Interstate Highways and several other connecting roads that serve significant modes of transportation such as ports, rail or truck terminals, airports, and railway stations. It also serves pipeline terminals and other essential transport facilities, making it the most extensive highway system compared to any other country.
Most worldwide highway systems have reputations for being either safe or hazardous to motorists. According to rankings from the World Health Organization (WHO), The United States is one of the most dangerous highway systems to traverse. The U.S. averages eleven highway casualties for every 100,000 people every year, which is three times more than roads and highways of the U.K.
Here are the top 10 most dangerous roads in the U.S. that you should be wary of when using the system.
I-45 (Houston)
The I-45 highway in Houston is one of the most dangerous roads in the entire world. Houston officials are blaming people for the accidents here for simply not obeying traffic rules and regulations. Most accidents are from texting while driving, driving at uncontrolled speeds, and driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
Highway 1 (Florida)
Highway 1 in Florida is the longest highway that traverses north to south of the state. It has a distance of 545 miles and passes through thirteen counties. This highway claims over 1,000 lives every ten years, and the fatalities increase during summer months alongside traffic volume.
U.S. Route 17 (South Carolina)
The elegant scenery that you can witness between Virginia to Florida is captivating, but it can also cause a deadly accident if you ignore the road. This part of Florida has a large count of accidents because it is full of narrow lanes, sharp turns, blind curves, and incidental crossings of animals. Route 17 has an average of one death every two miles, which is a high rate of casualties.
U.S. Route 199 (North California)
Travelers use the 80-mile long U.S. Route 199 when traveling north into Oregon, also known as the Redwood Highway. It has a record of one death for every two miles because of its narrow and twisting lanes.
U.S. 83 (Texas)
The U.S. 83 runs from the Canadian border to the Mexico border, traversing through Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The most notorious part of the highway lies in Texas, where it averages one death every two weeks.
Highway 160 (Colorado)
Highway 160 is one of the most dangerous roads in the U.S., with portions of steep side roads and sharp turns with tight switches.
I-19 (Arizona)
The I-19 is the most common route from Tucson to the Mexico border. It runs 63 miles, and there are plenty of fatalities due to the lack of safety due to sleepy drivers that don’t pay attention to the road.
I-95 (Miami)
The I-95 is one of the busiest freeways in Florida that has a high fatality rate, especially in Miami. The large section of the express lane produces many accidents, as drivers attempt to weave going into the tollways.
Highway 1 (California)
Highway 1 has several fatalities due to its majestic view of the coastline. It also has an extreme weather system, where the danger of mud and landslides can be a threat to all motorists.
Route 1 (Maine)
Route 1 can be the perfect storm of danger. It is poorly signed, and the road has tight curves that can be slippery during bad weather. Most people are blaming accidents on moose crossings, which increase the death toll.