The United States’ vast road network includes millions of miles of highways, from sprawling interstates to scenic U.S. and state routes. While interstates often dominate discussions of dangerous roads due to high traffic, non-interstate highways—U.S. Routes, State Routes, and others—pose unique risks due to narrower lanes, fewer safety features, and diverse driving conditions.
This article explores the ten most dangerous non-interstate highways in the USA, using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and studies like those from ValuePenguin and Assurance IQ. Real quotes from X users provide public perspectives, highlighting the challenges of these roads.
Methodology
To identify the ten most dangerous non-interstate highways, we analyzed NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data from 2015–2023, FHWA’s vehicle miles traveled (VMT) statistics, and studies from sources like ValuePenguin and Teletrac Navman.
Highways were ranked based on fatalities per 100 miles, total fatalities, and crash frequency, prioritizing recent data (2020–2023) and excluding all interstates (e.g., I-4, I-95).
1. U.S. Route 1 (US-1), Florida
Fatalities (2015–2019): 570, 106.7 deaths per 100 crashes
Length: 545 miles (Florida segment)
Deadliest Stretch: Brevard and Miami-Dade Counties
Source: ValuePenguin
US-1, running along Florida’s east coast from Key West to Maine, is exceptionally deadly in Florida. Between 2015 and 2019, it recorded 570 fatalities, with 87 in Brevard County alone. Its straight stretches encourage speeding, while narrow bridges to the Keys intimidate drivers. Heavy tourist traffic and urban congestion in Miami-Dade County amplify risks.
X user @KeyWestLocal shares, “US-1 is a racetrack for some, a panic attack for others. Those Keys bridges are terrifying.” The highway’s mix of scenic beauty and hazardous conditions makes it a top contender.
2. U.S. Route 83 (US-83), Texas
Fatalities (2018): 148, 2.62 per 100 miles
Length: 1,885 miles (Texas segment: ~900 miles)
Deadliest Stretch: Rio Grande Valley to Laredo
Source: Geotab
US-83, stretching from North Dakota to Texas, is Texas’s deadliest non-interstate. In 2018, it saw 148 fatalities, with a rate of 2.62 per 100 miles. The Texas segment, particularly from the Rio Grande Valley to Laredo, is notorious for high-speed crashes and limited infrastructure, including narrow lanes and minimal shoulders.
@TexasRangerX on X notes, “US-83 feels like the Wild West. No lights, no barriers, just you and the trucks.” Sparse emergency services in rural areas exacerbate outcomes.
3. California State Route 99 (SR-99), California
Fatalities (2018): 309, 62 per 100 miles
Length: 424 miles
Deadliest Stretch: Fresno to Bakersfield
Source: Assurance IQ
SR-99, running through California’s Central Valley, is one of the state’s deadliest highways. In 2018, it recorded 309 fatalities, with a staggering 62 per 100 miles. Heavy truck traffic, agricultural activity, and frequent fog contribute to crashes, especially between Fresno and Bakersfield.
X user @ValleyDriver complains, “SR-99 is a fog trap. Can’t see a thing, and trucks don’t slow down.” Poor visibility and high traffic volumes make this route treacherous.
4. U.S. Route 2 (US-2), Northern USA
Fatalities (2016–2019): 0.541 deaths per mile
Length: 2,571 miles
Deadliest Stretch: Montana and North Dakota
Source: Teletrac Navman
US-2, spanning from Washington to Maine, is particularly dangerous in Montana and North Dakota. From 2016 to 2019, it averaged 0.541 deaths per mile, driven by icy winter conditions, remote stretches, and wildlife crossings. Narrow lanes and limited passing zones increase head-on collision risks.
@MontanaTraveler on X warns, “US-2 in winter is a death wish. Ice, deer, and no cell signal for miles.” The highway’s isolation amplifies its dangers.
5. U.S. Route 17 (US-17), Southeastern USA
Fatalities (2015–2019): High crash rates in Florida and South Carolina
Length: 1,189 miles
Deadliest Stretch: Jacksonville to Palatka, Florida
Source: NHTSA, local reports
US-17, running from Florida to Virginia, sees significant fatalities in Florida’s Jacksonville-to-Palatka stretch. Narrow roads, heavy truck traffic, and frequent intersections contribute to crashes. South Carolina segments also report high accident rates due to tourist traffic.
X user @FloridaRoadie says, “US-17 near Jacksonville is a bottleneck. Trucks and red lights don’t mix well.” The highway’s outdated design struggles with modern traffic demands.
6. U.S. Route 93 (US-93), Arizona
Fatalities (2016–2019): 0.712 deaths per mile
Length: 1,359 miles (Arizona segment: ~200 miles)
Deadliest Stretch: Wickenburg to Hoover Dam
Source: Teletrac Navman
US-93 in Arizona, particularly between Wickenburg and Hoover Dam, is a high-risk route. From 2016 to 2019, it averaged 0.712 deaths per mile, driven by sharp curves, steep grades, and speeding. Recent widening efforts have helped, but risks remain.
@ArizonaNomad on X shares, “US-93’s curves sneak up on you. Blink, and you’re off the road.” The highway’s rugged terrain demands focus.
7. U.S. Route 27 (US-27), Florida
Fatalities (2015–2019): High crash rates, especially in Polk County
Length: 1,373 miles (Florida segment: ~500 miles)
Deadliest Stretch: Lake and Polk Counties
Source: ValuePenguin, local data
US-27, running through central Florida, is a hotspot for crashes, particularly in Lake and Polk Counties. Its mix of rural and suburban stretches, combined with heavy truck traffic and tourist congestion, drives fatalities. Straight sections encourage speeding.
X user @PolkCountyDriver laments, “US-27 is a speed trap and a crash zone. Too many trucks, too little patience.” The highway’s dual nature creates constant hazards.
8. Texas State Highway 6 (SH-6), Texas
Fatalities (2015–2023): Significant in Brazos County
Length: 476 miles
Deadliest Stretch: College Station to Waco
Source: Texas DOT, local reports
SH-6, connecting Houston to Waco, is a deadly state highway, particularly in Brazos County. High-speed rural segments and urban congestion in College Station contribute to crashes. Intersections with poor visibility are frequent culprits.
@AggieCommuter on X notes, “SH-6 is a rollercoaster. Speeders in the country, gridlock in town.” The highway’s varied conditions challenge drivers.
9. U.S. Route 101 (US-101), West Coast
Fatalities (2019): 87 in California, ~10 per 100 miles
Length: 1,540 miles
Deadliest Stretch: Ventura to Santa Barbara, California
Source: NHTSA, local studies
US-101, a scenic route along the Pacific Coast, is deadly in California’s Ventura-to-Santa Barbara stretch. In 2019, California segments saw 87 fatalities. Narrow lanes, sharp curves, and tourist distractions contribute, especially during peak travel seasons.
@CoastalCruiser on X warns, “US-101 looks pretty, but those curves are brutal. Tourists stop in the worst spots.” The highway’s beauty masks its risks.
10. Georgia State Route 400 (SR-400), Georgia
Fatalities (2015–2023): High crash rates in Fulton County
Length: 83 miles
Deadliest Stretch: Atlanta to Cumming
Source: Georgia DOT, local reports
SR-400, connecting Atlanta to northern Georgia, is a deadly commuter route. Heavy traffic, frequent lane changes, and urban sprawl in Fulton County drive crashes. Construction zones exacerbate risks.
X user @AtlantaDriver says, “SR-400 is chaos. Everyone’s in a hurry, and construction never ends.” The highway’s intensity reflects Atlanta’s traffic woes.
Contributing Factors to Non-Interstate Highway Dangers
Non-interstate highways face unique challenges:
- Narrower Roads: US-2 and US-93 often lack wide shoulders or medians, increasing crash severity.
- Outdated Infrastructure: US-17 and SR-6 have intersections and lighting issues, per NHTSA reports.
- Weather Hazards: SR-99’s fog and US-2’s ice reduce visibility and grip.
- Driver Behavior: Speeding on US-1 and distracted driving on US-27 are rampant. Geotab notes 90% of crashes involve human error.
- Truck and Tourist Traffic: SR-99 and US-101 see heavy commercial and recreational vehicles, complicating traffic flow.
Safety Tips for Driving on Dangerous Non-Interstate Highways
To navigate these highways safely, consider these NHTSA and ValuePenguin recommendations:
- Stay Vigilant: Treat rural stretches like US-83 as high-risk due to limited services.
- Check Conditions: Monitor weather for SR-99’s fog or US-2’s ice before traveling.
- Avoid Fatigue: Rest every two hours, especially on long routes like US-93.
- Obey Limits: Stick to speed limits on US-1’s straightaways to avoid tickets and crashes.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Carry a first-aid kit and emergency supplies on remote US-2 segments.
Stay Safe out There
The ten non-interstate highways listed—US-1, US-83, SR-99, US-2, US-17, US-93, US-27, SH-6, US-101, and SR-400—represent some of the USA’s deadliest roads, each with distinct challenges from narrow lanes to heavy traffic.
Statistics underscore their lethality, while X users’ quotes reveal the frustration and fear they inspire. By understanding these risks and adopting safe driving practices, motorists can mitigate dangers. As @RoadSafetyNow on X puts it, “Every road tests your focus. Drive smart to make it home.”