You know a bad road when you're on one, either as a driver or a vehicle passenger: Potholes, broken pavement or concrete, poor signage, confusing traffic flow and inadequate pedestrian control are just some of the hallmarks of dangerous roads. In many cases, there also are statistics to back up the idea that any given road can be labeled as "dangerous." The Zebra recently evaluated accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to determine which roads in the United States are the "most dangerous." The slideshow above illustrates 10 roads in the U.S. that are statistically most perilous, based on accident fatality rates and frequency. Here are some key findings from The Zebra's research:
  • The most dangerous highway in the U.S. is Interstate 95 (I-95).
  • Vehicle fatalities increased by an estimated 7.2% from 2019 to 2020.
  • Wyoming, New Mexico and South Carolina had the most crashes per 100,000 people.
  • Hillsborough County in Florida, which houses the city of Tampa, had the highest number of fatalities in the nation at 15 per 100,000 people.
The nonprofit Safe Roads USA assembled additional criteria for determining how dangerous a road may be. The organization reports that problematic roads can generally be attributed to a combination of the following factors:
  • Congestion;
  • Distractions;
  • Driver aggression;
  • Alternative transportation; and
  • Road condition.
What should drivers do when they find themselves navigating less than ideal roads? The following "baker's dozen" of driving tips is from Drivers Education Inc.:
  1. Slow down and drive at a safe speed that matches the flow of traffic.
  2. Keep more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
  3. Keep your windshield and windows clear; weather conditions can make it more difficult to see if a dirty window impairs your vision.
  4. Use your headlights at the appropriate times and the correct levels for visibility levels.
  5. If you are driving in bad traffic, keep a more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you
  6. Reckless drivers create a hazardous environment for drivers around them. When you see a reckless driver, slow down, let him/her pass, and keep a safe distance
  7. Pedestrians who jaywalk, or recklessly cross a street are creating a hazard for themselves and drivers. Know that even though a pedestrian is at fault, it is a responsibility of the driver to do whatever he/she can to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
  8. Some bicyclists tend to drive too closely to cars. Keep a safe distance from bicyclists on the road.
  9. Look far in front of you for road debris and if you see any, slow down and try to change the lane safely away from debris.
  10. If you notice a vehicle that is hauling furniture or other items that may become loose, do not drive behind those vehicles and stay away as far as you can.
  11. If you come across a construction zone, slow down and drive carefully. Be prepared to safely change lanes and watch out for road workers.
  12. Potholes can cause distractions, and some drivers may swerve around a pothole and cause accidents. When you see a pothole on the road, keep a firm grip on your steering wheel, slow down and, if it is safe, try to drive around the pothole.
  13. If you come across a malfunctioning traffic light at an intersection, watch out for drivers who may not follow the rules and just drive through the light without stopping. Make sure that all vehicles are stopped before proceeding.
Concerned drivers can go one step further to push for safer roads in their communities by making sure that local, state and federal officials are aware of seriously dangerous roads and pushing for road improvement initiatives. See also:

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Elana Ashanti Jefferson

Elana Ashanti Jefferson serves as ALM's PropertyCasualty360 Group Chief Editor. She is a veteran journalist and communications professional. Reach her by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

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