Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States. Recent estimates indicate over 44,000 people died in traffic crashes in 2023 alone.
Highways and interstates are especially hazardous due to high speeds, heavy traffic, and the regular presence of large commercial vehicles like semi trucks. When accidents involve these massive trucks, the consequences are often catastrophic.
The Most Dangerous Highways
According to data from 2016-2019 by Teletrac Navman, a vehicle software company, the most dangerous highway in America is the New Mexico stretch of U.S. Route 285. This lonely road has long distances between towns and limited services, making breakdowns potentially dangerous. Locals have dubbed a portion near Malaga as “Death Highway” due to the high number of fatal accidents. This stretch of deadly road covers 746 miles through New Mexico, eventually ending in Denver, CO. Because this road is a supply route to West Texas oil fields, it’s used by oil field trucks and workers. One study found that fatal accidents spiked when oil prices rose, with 93 deaths in 2017.
California Highway 190, also known as Death Valley Road, ranks second. Temperatures here can reach extreme highs, again making breakdowns hazardous due to the road’s remote location.
Interstate 4 in Florida, connecting Tampa to Daytona Beach, is third. Heavy congestion from locals and tourists, many driving rental cars, contributes to its high accident rate. The close proximity of Disney World and Orlando don’t help, either, with the park receiving more than 17 million visitors in 2023. From 2016-2019, I-4 averaged 1.134 fatalities per mile. Some sections of this road are more dangerous than others, with Plant City a particular accident blackspot.
Other dangerous highways include:
- U.S. Route 90 in Texas
- Hawaii Route 200 on the Big Island
- U.S. Route 550 in Colorado, called the “Million Dollar Highway”
What are the Most Common Causes of Highway Crashes?
While traffic volumes play a role, other factors cause accidents on these deadly roads. Inclement weather, like snow, ice, or heavy rain can lead to hazardous driving conditions. Insufficient lighting at night also endangers drivers.
But the most significant factors seen by car accident lawyers are human error and unsafe driving behaviors. Speeding, distracted or impaired driving, and aggressiveness behind the wheel contribute to most highway crashes. Road design can also be an issue – things like narrow lanes, poor signage, lack of shoulders and guardrails, and unsafe intersections.
Preventing Accidents and Improving Road Safety
Solutions exist to make highways safer, but they require cooperation between state and local governments. Widening roads, adding proper lighting, redesigning intersections, and installing medians and guardrails could reduce risk.
Public awareness campaigns, harsher penalties for violations like DUI and speeding, and better driver education could all help prevent accidents. While cost remains a barrier, the potential to save thousands of lives makes investing in road safety—and holding negligent parties accountable—a clear priority.
But, What Should I Do After a Car or Truck Accident on a Highway?
Truck accidents, especially those involving large commercial vehicles or semi trucks, are far more complex than standard car crashes. These cases often involve multiple parties, including drivers, trucking companies, maintenance crews, and insurance providers. The injuries sustained in truck accidents are frequently severe or fatal, making the legal and financial stakes incredibly high.A semi truck accident lawyer has the experience needed to investigate these collisions, preserve evidence, and hold all responsible parties accountable. They understand federal trucking regulations, can access black box data, and will fight to secure fair compensation for the damages of victims and families. After a devastating truck crash on a dangerous highway, having the right legal representation can make all the difference in your recovery and future.
