50 Most Dangerous Roads to Drive on in America, According to the Data
Hitting the open road sounds exciting, but some stretches of highway pack in far more risks than others. Packed traffic, unpredictable weather, and distracted drivers turn ordinary drives into dicey adventures. Here are 15 of America’s most dangerous roads that you should probably avoid as much as possible.
Interstate 4 – Florida
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I‑4 has earned its reputation with numbers that raise eyebrows: 150 deaths from 2016 to 2019, averaging 1.134 fatalities per mile. Orlando tops the list for the most crash reports, thanks to heavy tourist traffic and drivers in rental cars learning as they go.
Interstate 95 – East Coast
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Winter storms in the Northeast and high-speed congestion in urban hubs create an unpredictable mix in this north–south giant that stretches from Miami to Houlton, Maine, passing through more states than any other interstate. NHTSA data logged 284 fatalities in 2019 alone, with Florida’s Jacksonville being a hot spot.
Interstate 45 – Texas
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Local transportation agencies point to distracted driving and speeding as frequent factors of accidents, and that combo makes this route feel like a video game at rush hour. I‑45 may be short at 285 miles, but the crash stats pack a punch. Reports between 2016 and 2019 show 260 fatalities, a rate of 0.913 deaths per mile. Houston stands out as the most dangerous segment due to overwhelming traffic volume.
Interstate 20 – Texas to South Carolina
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I-20 cuts across the South, running through major cities like Dallas, Jackson, and Atlanta. These urban stretches are where the crashes pile up, especially during peak hours. From 2016 to 2019, more than 845 people died along this highway — roughly 0.55 fatalities per mile. Pedestrians are often involved in accidents, especially in areas where development has outpaced infrastructure.
Interstate 5 – California to Washington
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California sections are infamous for bumper‑to‑bumper traffic and aggressive merges. Weather also plays a part farther north, where heavy rain and fog lead to pileups. Teletrac Navman data recorded 841 fatalities from 2016 to 2019 in this area, an average of 0.609 per mile.
Interstate 75 – Florida to Michigan
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I-75 moves through a wide range of driving conditions. In Florida, traffic jams near tourist areas are a constant issue. Up north, snow and ice make winter driving especially dangerous. Between 2016 and 2019, the route saw 930 fatalities — Atlanta being the most dangerous section. Long-distance freight traffic adds another layer of risk, especially through busy urban zones and changing weather patterns.
Interstate 35 – Texas to Minnesota
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Travelers crossing the Midwest rely on I‑35, but the statistics should be a warning: 197 deaths in 2019 alone, or about 12.56 fatalities per 100 miles. Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio add to the chaos with rapid growth and big‑rig traffic. Safety experts often warn about construction zones here, which appear suddenly and cause abrupt lane shifts. Drivers often find themselves weaving through cones and semis with little warning.
Interstate 10 – California to Florida
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I‑10, which spans 2,460 miles, is one of only three coast‑to‑coast interstates. Data shows 1,469 traffic deaths from 2016 to 2019, with Houston and El Paso tied as the deadliest cities. Its long stretches invite high speeds, while sudden desert storms or Gulf Coast rainstorms create hazards. The variety of conditions makes every trip feel like several road trips in one. Truckers know this route well, and many share the road daily.
Interstate 30 – Texas to Arkansas
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This 367‑mile road connects Dallas with North Little Rock. Statistics show 237 deaths over the four years studied, an average of 0.646 per mile. The Dallas portion, known locally as the Tom Landry Freeway, accounts for most incidents. Morning and evening rush hours are brutal, with tight merges and sudden braking. Locals often joke that you need eyes in the back of your head to navigate safely.
Interstate 12 – Louisiana
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I-12 doesn’t cover much ground — just 86 miles — but it sees a surprising number of fatal crashes. It’s a busy commuter route with narrow lanes and little room for error, especially during rush hour. Even with ongoing expansion work, it remains one of the most stressful drives in the state.
US Route 192 – Florida
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Locals often advise staying calm, expecting sudden stops, and watching carefully for pedestrians darting across this area. This 75‑mile highway is known for connecting Four Corners to Indialantic, passing near Walt Disney World Resort. The road is packed with tourists unfamiliar with local driving habits. Kissimmee stands out as the deadliest section.
US Route 92 – Florida
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The road crosses Old Tampa Bay via the Gandy Bridge, which becomes slippery in storms. Running from St. Petersburg to Daytona Beach, this 177‑mile stretch recorded 125 fatalities over four years, which comes to 0.706 deaths per mile. Tampa’s busy metro area is especially problematic. Safety studies show high crash rates near merging ramps, so smooth lane changes and steady speeds make a real difference here.
US Route 17 – Florida to Virginia
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US‑17 stretches 1,189 miles through the Southeast, and data from 2016 to 2019 shows 549 people lost their lives on it, averaging 0.462 deaths per mile. The Charleston section in South Carolina leads in reported fatalities, with many crashes involving impaired drivers. Long calm portions can suddenly turn into hectic port traffic, and that contrast is what makes this highway unpredictable and challenging for anyone behind the wheel.
Interstate 26 – South Carolina to Tennessee
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Between 2016 and 2019, it recorded 151 fatalities — just under half a death per mile. North Charleston sees the highest number of crashes, mostly due to tight merges and heavy commuter flow. Farther north, sharp turns and early morning fog in the Blue Ridge region create tough conditions, especially in fall and winter. This isn’t a road for cruising on autopilot.
Interstate 65 – Alabama to Indiana
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Drivers who keep a steady pace and watch forecasts tend to fare better on this demanding stretch. Between 2016 and 2019, 430 fatalities were recorded, averaging 0.485 per mile. Nashville consistently reports the highest crash numbers, partly due to busy trucking lanes.