Yahoo Autos America’s Most Feared Roads: A Guide to the Nation’s Riskiest Routes
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America is home to some of the world’s most scenic highways, but several roads are also infamous for their dangers. A June 2024 survey of 3,000 motorists conducted by QuestionPro and commissioned by Gunther Mitsubishi reveals the most feared roads in the U.S., highlighting the routes that travelers should approach with caution.
1. U.S. Route 285, New Mexico
Topping the list is the New Mexico segment of U.S. Route 285, notorious for its desolate stretches and hazardous conditions. The route between Vaughn and Roswell is remote, with long gaps between towns and minimal access to services, posing a significant risk for motorists. Known locally as “Death Highway” near Malaga, the road has seen many fatal crashes. In 2023, a 12-vehicle collision sent nine people to the hospital, underscoring the dangers of sudden weather changes along this stretch.
2. California Highway 190 (Death Valley Road), California
The second-most feared road, California Highway 190, runs through Death Valley National Park. Extreme heat in the summer can make breakdowns life-threatening in this remote region. With few services and high temperatures, the road presents serious challenges for travelers unprepared for the harsh desert environment.
3. U.S. Highway 90, Texas
Another road that made the list is U.S. Highway 90, which runs through Texas’s vast, open landscapes. The long, isolated stretches can leave drivers vulnerable in the event of a breakdown, especially with limited assistance available along the route.
4. Hawaii Route 200 (Saddle Road), Hawaii
The mountainous Route 200, also known as Saddle Road, crosses the Big Island of Hawaii. Known for sharp turns and unpredictable weather, it can become treacherous, especially for unfamiliar drivers. Fog and rain often reduce visibility, adding to the road’s difficulty.
5. U.S. Highway 50, Nevada
Nicknamed “The Loneliest Road in America,” U.S. Highway 50 in Nevada spans vast desert areas with minimal services. The isolation can make vehicle breakdowns particularly stressful, turning what might seem like a peaceful drive into a risky endeavor.
Additional Dangerous Roads Cited by AAA
AAA has also highlighted other dangerous roads, known for their treacherous conditions or unique challenges:
U.S. Route 550, Colorado (Million Dollar Highway): Known for its steep cliffs, tight turns, and lack of guardrails, this route becomes especially dangerous during rockslides and winter storms.
U.S. Route 1, Florida: The stretch along the Overseas Highway features long bridges connecting the Florida Keys to Miami. With no ban on handheld devices, distracted driving is a significant concern, making it one of the country’s deadliest roads.
Interstate 4, Florida: This stretch between Tampa and Daytona Beach is infamous for its high fatality rate. AAA attributes the accidents to tourists unfamiliar with the road and distracted by their GPS systems and cellphones.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana: Spanning nearly 24 miles over open water, the causeway can be unnerving when land is out of view. Heavy fog often shrouds the bridge, forcing police to escort drivers across.
These roads highlight the variety of challenges drivers face across the U.S., from remote desert highways to fog-covered bridges. As travel resumes across the country, motorists are urged to stay alert, avoid distractions, and prepare adequately when venturing onto these risky routes.
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