Accidents are often a significant worry when traveling by car. There are roughly 17,000 car accidents per day in the U.S., making this an extremely reasonable concern while behind the wheel.
While accidents are not always avoidable, there are certain things you can do to help yourself stay safe while driving. Research is one of the best ways to prepare yourself during travels, especially if you will be in new locations that are unfamiliar to you.
Looking into statistics such as the worst drivers by state and the most common times of day for accidents to occur is a great start. But knowing the facts about the roads you’re driving can make a big difference.
Some roads are more dangerous than others, and knowing ahead of time if you’ll be driving them can help you better prepare and avoid potential accidents. These are some of the most dangerous roads to travel in America.
I-45, Texas
If you’re planning on traveling through the Lone Star State, it’s best to keep your eyes open on I-45. This interstate is nearly 300 miles long and stretches from Galveston to Dallas. The busiest portion of the highway — andangerous accidentsd said to be the most dangerous — is through the Houston area.
Many things make this road so dangerous, but experts have narrowed it down to a few key factors like congestion, texting while driving, and speeding. Drunk driving is also a significant problem on this highway, earning it the highest rate of drunk driving fatalities in the country. Unfortunately, Texas has nine spots in the 15 U.S. counties with the worst drunk-driving problem.
The road is so dangerous, its statistics speak for themselves. For every 100-mile stretch of roadway, there is an average of 56.5 fatal crashes.
If you plan to travel through Texas and drive the I-45, it’s best to be cautious. Although you can’t always avoid an accident, being alert and aware of your surroundings can help you stay safe.
I-285, Georgia
This interstate is known as the most traveled highway in Georgia. If you find yourself driving on I-285, make sure to proceed with caution.
The road is 64 miles long and circles the entire city of Atlanta. There is an average of 3.5 fatal accidents for every 10-mile stretch of I-285, making it an extremely dangerous road to travel.
Many factors make this road so deadly, such as sharp turns, frequent exit ramps, lack of proper signs, and inadequate lighting. There is also heavy traffic throughout the day on I-285, making it challenging to avoid other vehicles.
Large trucks and trailers frequent I-285 and can pose hazards to other drivers. Since these vehicles need much more room and often have larger blind spots, it’s difficult to merge safely. Drivers not allowing these vehicles the room they need is a common cause of accidents.
If you are driving on I-285, be sure to avoid driving distracted and pay attention to your car and other vehicles on the road. Quick merges happen often, and it’s essential to stay alert to give yourself time to react and avoid a potential collision.
I-4, Florida
Planning a trip to the Sunshine State is a common idea for many people. With stunning beaches and abundant amusement parks, it’s no surprise that Florida is a popular tourist destination.
Driving I-4 can be a dangerous journey when traveling through the Sunshine State. The interstate runs from Tampa to Daytona Beach but cuts directly through Orlando.
This portion running through the Orlando area is said to be why I-4 holds its dangerous reputation. Being the most popular tourist destination in the country with big names such as Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando sees massive traffic year-round.
The heavy tourist area welcomes drivers who are unfamiliar with the roads and struggling to find their way around. This can lead to last-minute merging or exiting and cause a lot of . In fact, there are a recorded 1.4 fatal crashes for every mile of I-4.
If you’re planning to travel this interstate, be sure to proceed with caution. You’ll want to keep your eyes on the road and practice defensive driving to keep yourself out of harm’s way.
U.S. 17 Coastal Highway, South Carolina
The summer months bring in thousands of tourists to the Palmetto State, many of which will travel on the U.S. 17 Coastal Highway. This interstate runs through significant tourist areas such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach, causing a lot of traffic and congestion on the road.
Like I-4 in Florida, many of the issues with the Coastal Highway stem from travelers who are unaware of their surroundings and may easily get confused. This confusion can lead to quick merging and potential accidents.
Another factor to consider when traveling the U.S. 17 is the wildlife. The road poses a high risk of potential collisions as animals are frequent in the area. While smaller animals may not cause much damage, larger ones such as deer can total a vehicle and potentially result in a fatal accident.
Beyond the traffic and wild animals, there is also the nature of the U.S. 17 Coastal Highway. The road is challenging to drive due to its large number of tight and blind turns. The lanes also can become narrow, making it difficult to share the road with passing vehicles.
If the U.S. 17 Coastal Highway is on your route, take extra precautions and drive carefully. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for wildlife and other drivers.
America’s Most Dangerous Roads
While it can be considered dangerous to get behind the wheel on any road in the country, some have a more treacherous reputation than others. These roads see more fatal accidents than others and pose a higher risk while driving them.
Roads like I-45 in Texas, I-285 in Georgia, I-4 in Florida, and the U.S. Coastal Highway in South Carolina require even more caution while traveling on them. For various reasons, such as heavy traffic, tourism, wildlife, and distracted driving, these roads pose a higher risk of collisions than the national average.
You should always pay attention to the road and your surroundings, but be sure to take special care when traveling on these dangerous roads. Always drive undistracted and practice defensive driving.
Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. She is an avid traveler who knows the importance of driving safely.
