We know that you may be putting together plans to travel to see family for the holidays. Because gas prices are more affordable than they have been in years, you may be thinking about packing up the car and taking a road trip. It made us wonder how safe the roads in our country really are. While most are perfectly safe, provided you drive appropriately, there are some that are known to be dangerous. Here are five of them.
- South Carolina – I-26
There is a stretch of the highway that has been called one of the deadliest in the state. In a single decade, more than 300 people have died on this stretch of road. Why? Because there are very few guardrails even though the sides slope deeply into ditches. Be careful if you are traveling the highway this season.
- Alabama – U.S. 431
The 98-mile stretch from Phenix City to Dothan has been called one of the most dangerous areas in the country. There have been more than 20 deaths on this section of the highway alone. Part of the reason is the congestion on the road that occurred before it was widened to four lanes. Drivers should use caution.
- Indiana – U.S. 24
The highway that runs from Fort Wayne to Toledo, Ohio is not the safest by any means. Even though the highway was widened a few years ago and is less dangerous than it was at one time, drivers are still urged to stay on the defensive while traversing the pavement.
- Alaska – Dalton Highway
Chances are that you won’t be driving to Alaska this season, but it is still worth a mention. Dalton Highway is a 414-mile road that is used primarily by trucks. Steep mountains and harrowing twists make this dirt road incredibly dangerous. In fact, it is so dangerous that a helicopters patrol it twice a day looking for accidents and breakdowns.
- Montana – Highway 2
This beautiful state has the most highway fatalities in the country. Highway 2 is one of the most dangerous and remote. But why such a high number of fatalities? Because it take first responders so long to reach anyone.
If you will be driving this season, please be careful. If you are unfamiliar with the roads you will be driving on, take some time before your trip and research them. You can often find data on the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s site. If you are in an accident, contact our personal injury attorneys to find out if you may have a right to compensation.