Corabia Curvy, steep and alarmingly treacherous—these stretches of pavement are worth avoiding.
Before summer’s over, many Americans will head out on the open road seeking rest, relaxation, and adventure. Road trips are the kinds of experiences that lifelong memories are made of, especially for families, as it’s often the most economical way to travel with everyone in tow. If you’re getting ready to roll, make sure you plan ahead and choose the safest route to your destination—and if possible, avoid these roads, which are considered some of the most dangerous in the country.
Dundalk 1. I-90 in Montana
Montana is known for many things, beautiful natural scenery and stunning mountains among them. But the state has also become infamous because it has the highest highway mortality rate in the USA—and this main thoroughfare is part of the reason. Remote stretches, numerous road hazards, and the fact that it takes nearly forever for an ambulance to get there are some of the reasons you may want to avoid traveling on this picturesque highway.
2. I-10 in Arizona
Although I-10 is a well-traveled highway, the particular stretch of road running between California and Phoenix is known for being extremely hazardous. It lacks substantial street lighting and there’s practically no one living within the 150-mile area, making it an unsafe place to break down, much less get into a collision. If you do have to travel down this road, make sure you pack extra water, food, a first aid kit, and that your cell phone is fully charged.
3. Highway 6 in Utah
There’s about 120 miles of this road between Spanish Fork and Green River, Utah, that are popular for everything from semis to tiny passenger cars. While the high volume of vehicles on Highway 6 increases the risk of an accident, bountiful wildlife also presents a danger to drivers in the area. Its tight twists and sharp turns only add to the hazards, especially when the road freezes over in winter. Although there’s been work done to widen the lanes in recent years, there are several spots where the only thing separating double-wide trucks and compacts is an 18-inch double yellow line. Proceed with caution when traveling on this road and be aware of impatient drivers who decide to pass when it’s not safe.
4. Highway 550 in Colorado
This long and twisty mountain road, which stretches across western Colorado, climbs 11,000 feet—without the guardrails that usually protect us from driving or slipping off the side of the mountain. It is marked by hairpin turns, steep cliffs, and a history of avalanches! To top it off, much of the route has no shoulder to pull off on. If you can avoid traveling on this one, you’re better off.
5. I-15 near Las Vegas
Experts are unsure as to whether the excessive danger on this road is due to the numerous drivers impaired by alcohol, those rushing to party on the strip, or the lack of seat belt use. It’s likely a combination of all three since the fatalities on this highway, which runs between LA and Las Vegas, have climbed to more than 37,000 since 2008. Whatever the reason, more than 8 million people travel on this road each year, so the odds of getting into a collision with one of those lawbreakers are probably much higher than you’d care to gamble.
No matter where you’re headed on your next road trip, make sure you’ve mapped out exactly which route you’re going to take and have emergency supplies with you. If you can, avoid traveling dangerous roads, even if they’re not the most dangerous roads in the USA. It may add more time to your trip, but it’s a small price to pay when considering the consequences.
A lonely stretch of unsafe highway is not the best time to discover that your auto insurance won’t cover the assistance you so desperately need. So before you head out to the highway, make sure your car insurance is up to date. To review your policy needs or to check that you have the appropriate coverage for a road trip, give us a call at 305-648-7070 and we’ll be happy to assist you.