15 Deadly Roads in America You Should Never Drive On
America’s vast network of highways and byways offers countless opportunities for adventure and exploration. However, lurking within this sprawling system are roads that have earned a sinister reputation for their deadly nature.
According to Statista’s forecast, road accidents per million US residents are expected to decline in the coming years, with projections indicating a rate of just over 7,100 by 2025. Here are 15 deadly roads in America you should never drive on.
Dalton Highway (Alaska)
Stretching over 400 miles through the Alaskan wilderness, the Dalton Highway is one of the most treacherous roads in America. Built as a supply route for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, this remote highway is known for its extreme isolation, harsh weather, and lack of roadside services. As reported by Only In Your State, the James Dalton Highway in Alaska is considered one of the most dangerous roads, thanks to its icy conditions, remote stretches, and sections that remain unpaved.
With only three small towns along its entire stretch and temperatures plunging as low as -80°F in winter, breakdowns here can be deadly. The road is also infamous for its slick ice, steep grades, and strong winds, making it a nightmare for truckers and adventure seekers alike.
Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)
Carved into the side of the San Juan Mountains, this stretch of US Route 550 is as breathtaking as it is deadly. The Million Dollar Highway features hairpin turns, steep cliffs, and no guardrails, leaving drivers with little margin for error. Heavy snowfall and avalanches frequently turn this road into a death trap, with dozens of accidents reported each year.
Why it’s deadly: Sharp turns and sheer cliff edges come without guardrails. Frequent landslides, rockfalls, and unpredictable weather make the road hazardous.
Tail of the Dragon (Tennessee/North Carolina)
This legendary 11-mile stretch of US 129 is a paradise for motorcyclists—but also one of the most dangerous roads in the US. Nicknamed the “Tail of the Dragon,” it boasts a staggering 318 curves in just 11 miles, making it a magnet for thrill-seekers. However, those same twists and turns cause dozens of crashes annually, with multiple fatalities reported each year.
Why it’s deadly: An astonishing 318 curves within just 11 miles. High speeds and sharp blind turns often lead to accidents.
I-95 (East Coast)
Running from Maine to Florida, Interstate 95 is one of the busiest highways in America—and one of the deadliest. This major artery sees over 100,000 vehicles daily in some areas, leading to frequent pileups and fatal crashes. According to Dismuke Law, I-95 consistently ranks among the most dangerous roads, with Florida’s portion alone accounting for more than 300 fatalities annually.
Why it’s deadly: High traffic congestion on a daily basis. Frequent collisions due to aggressive and distracted driving.
I-10 (Arizona to Florida)
Interstate 10 spans the southern US, crossing eight states from California to Florida. This highway is particularly hazardous in Arizona and Texas, where long, straight desert stretches encourage excessive speeding. Sudden dust storms, reckless drivers, and fatigue-related crashes only add to its dangers.
Why it’s deadly: Driver fatigue often leads to accidents on straight stretches. High accident rates make it one of the most perilous routes in the South.
Highway 2 (Montana)
Montana’s Highway 2 is notorious for its lack of emergency services, poor visibility, and high-speed crashes. Known as the most dangerous highway in Montana, it has a fatality rate nearly double the national average. Long rural stretches mean that emergency responders can take an hour or more to arrive at accident scenes, making survival rates lower than in urban areas.
Why it’s deadly: Winter driving conditions are harsh, with snow and black ice.
US Route 1 (Florida Keys & East Coast)
US Route 1 is one of America’s most perilous roads despite offering scenic ocean views. The stretch running through the Florida Keys is particularly deadly, as its two-lane bridges leave no room for error. WPLG Local 10 reports that over the past decade, the highway has seen 1,011 deadly crashes, resulting in 1,079 fatalities.
Why it’s deadly: Narrow lanes and heavy tourist traffic increase collision risks. The Overseas Highway portion includes vertigo-inducing bridges rising directly above open water.
Highway 17 (South Carolina)
Nicknamed the “Highway of Death,” South Carolina’s Highway 17 is infamous for its high accident rate and wildlife crossings. The road winds through marshlands and forests, making it a hotspot for deer-related crashes. A 2021 report found that over 30% of crashes on this highway involved wildlife, and its narrow, outdated design contributes to frequent head-on collisions.
Why it’s deadly: Sharp curves with poor visibility. Frequent wildlife collisions further increase the risks.
Highway 50 (Nevada) – “The Loneliest Road in America”
Dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America,” Highway 50 in Nevada is an isolated, desolate stretch of pavement where help is scarce. This road is so remote that drivers are advised to carry extra fuel and water. The lack of cellphone service and gas stations means that breakdowns can quickly become life-threatening.
Why it’s deadly: Limited resources and few gas stations make breakdowns risky. Harsh desert conditions can be unforgiving, with extreme heat and dehydration risks.
Pikes Peak Highway (Colorado)
At 14,115 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak Highway is one of the highest—and most dangerous—roads in the US. This scenic mountain pass features sharp switchbacks, steep drop-offs, and no guardrails. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with snow and fog creating near-zero visibility.
Why it’s deadly: Extreme elevation changes can cause dizziness or altitude sickness. The lack of guardrails and sharp drop-offs leave little room for error.
I-70 (Colorado to Utah)
Interstate 70, particularly its stretch through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is a deadly mix of steep inclines, treacherous curves, and unpredictable weather. Winter storms frequently cause pileups, with more than 500 crashes reported annually in the Colorado section alone. The infamous Eisenhower Tunnel is also prone to accidents due to its high altitude and heavy truck traffic.
Why it’s deadly: Frequent rockslides and icy road conditions. Mountain passes become impassable for long periods during winter storms.
California State Route 138 (“Blood Alley”)
Dubbed “Blood Alley,” California State Route 138 is infamous for its deadly head-on collisions and lack of dividers. This winding road through the San Gabriel Mountains has seen hundreds of fatalities over the years, with speeding and reckless passing being major contributors. It used to average 10+ deaths per year.
Why it’s deadly: High speeds, sharp curves, and reckless driving contribute to frequent accidents. Multiple reports of head-on collisions and rollovers.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina)
A stunning but dangerous road, the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its blind curves, steep drop-offs, and heavy fog. It offers breathtaking mountain views, but it also leads to numerous fatal accidents each year. In 2022 alone, there were more than 120 crashes, many involving motorcyclists who lost control on the winding roads.
Why it’s deadly: Frequent fog reduces visibility, even for experienced drivers. Narrow roads with steep drop-offs pose serious risks.
Alaskan Way Viaduct (Seattle, Washington) – Now Replaced
Before being replaced by the SR 99 Tunnel, the Alaskan Way Viaduct was one of the most feared roads in Seattle. This elevated highway was not only structurally unsound but also prone to dangerous merging lanes and heavy congestion. It was closed in 2019 due to safety concerns, as engineers feared it could collapse in an earthquake.
Why it was deadly: Vulnerable to earthquakes and structural instability. Heavy traffic with minimal safety barriers.
Highway 285 (New Mexico & Texas)
Nicknamed “Death Highway,” Highway 285 is a major trucking route that has seen a surge in deadly accidents in recent years. According to Forbes, it ranks as America’s most feared road. The combination of speeding, fatigue, and heavy truck traffic makes it one of the deadliest roads in the Southwest.
Why it’s deadly: Long stretches of road with minimal enforcement encourage reckless driving. Crashes involving large trucks are especially severe.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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