It is estimated that 8 million people run back and forth, (according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority). Many of the accidents are attributed to drunk driving and failure to use seatbelts.
7. California’s Route 138
Route 138 is another east and west route following the San Gabriel Mountains.
Cutting through the western Mojave Desert, in Southern California it is extremely scenic. It was completed in 1934 and runs approximately 105 miles (169 km).
Source: www.flickr.com
It has been nicknamed the “Highway of Death”, due to a five year period creating a record number of accidents.
During that window 56 people were killed and 875 were injured. Though many improvements have been made, on the highway since receiving that name, it still needs more.
8. Interstate-285, GA
I-285 is approximately 64 miles long, officially completed in 1969, and circles Atlanta, Georgia. Often it is referred to as the “perimeter”. Like so many cities, 285 allow commuters to loop around the main city without actually going downtown.
Source: www.crosscountryroads.com
Throughout the years, as the metropolitan area expands so does the traffic. It is now one of the most heavily travelled highways in the area.
An estimated 2 million plus people use it every day! During rush hour traffic can be so heavy that all lanes will be a slow crawl if not completely stopped.
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9. I-26 in South Carolina
I-26 is technically east and west but actually more northeast and southwest. It runs approximately 306 miles.
However the main route is broken up in parts and still under construction. In some areas the signs still read ‘future I-26’.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
A short section was named one of the deadliest roads in South Carolina. Between 2000 and 2010 there were 286 accidents, 325 people were killed with most of these happening on a strip near Charleston.
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There are steep slopes with no safety guardrails, in 2009 it was reported that 7 out nine fatalities were from hitting trees and rolling over.
10. US 431 in Alabama
US Route 431 (a spur of Route 31) currently runs approximately 556 miles (895 km), opened in 1930.
The main road runs from Owensboro, Kentucky (U.S. Route 60) to Dothan, Alabama, (U.S. Route 231 and U.S. Route 84).
Source: marktreble.co.uk
But it’s the 98 mile section from Phoenix City to Dothan that has been called one of America’s most dangerous roads by Reader’s Digest.
Just in one month four people were killed. The pickup truck, packed with over 10 people, rolled over.
But there have been numerous other accidents; the road is dotted with little white crosses, from the victims’ families and friends. Fortunately, many construction efforts have begun to improve the highway.
11. US 24 Fort Wayne to Toledo
US Route 24 is another highway built in 1926. It runs mostly east and west from Minturn, Colorado stretching some 1,540 miles (2,478 km) to Independence Township.
In Toledo, Ohio in transitions into a more north and south direction, though. It is a main route for commercial vehicles transporting materials between Toledo, Ohio and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Source: www.peaktraffic.org
Grassroots organizations in Toledo spent more than 20 years trying to get state officials to make the highway wider and to make other related improvements.
Finally in 2012 a 23 mile section was widened from its original two lane design. This section was notorious for a high rate a fatal accidents. The entire stretch was known as “the killway”.
12. US 6 in Utah
US Route 6 (Grand Army of the Republic Highway in honor of the American Civil War Veterans Association) runs east-northeast from Bishop, California to Provincetown Massachusetts.
Though, the 3,198 mile (5,148 km) route has been adjusted numerous times since 1936.
Technically, many sections have been absorbed into new highways or run a ‘parallel’ path. It’s usually much longer than the newer routes.
Source: www.corcohighways.org
Yet, it is still heavily used either for nostalgic reasons. Another reason, it connects 6 major cities and/or other interstate highways.
With all this added traffic makes it for a potentially hazardous journey because of the road is extremely curvy.
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Additionally the weather conditions (snow and ice) and wildlife crossing adds to the dangers. A common bumper sticker says, “I drive 6 Pray for Me.”
13. US 129 in North Carolina
US Route 129 (US 129) runs for almost 582 miles (937 km) from Chiefland Florida to Knoxville, Tennessee.
This is a fairly remote and lightly populated/developed stretch of highway. It is also a very popular destination for motorcyclist and sports car enthusiast.
Source: www.2wheeltuesday.com
There is an 11 mile section at Deals Gap (the Tennessee and North Carolina state line), called the Tail of the Dragon, The Dragon’s Tail, or simply The Dragon. It boasts an amazing 318 curves, making it possibly the curviest section of highway in the United States. It is highly recommended to travel slowly and to remain in your lane along this short section.
Honorable mention: US Route 1 in Maine
US Route 1 runs parallel to I-95 (its farther west inland). Completed in 1926 it runs 2,369 miles (3,813 km), from Fort Kent, Maine (the US/Canada Border) south to Key West, Florida. Many sections of the highway run close to the Atlantic Ocean.
What makes this short section so special is it the harsh winter weather, inadequate signage, and sightseeing tourist.
But, do you want to know the biggest threat of all? – It cuts right through major moose migration routes!
Conclusion:
America’s highway system is as diverse as our population, and equally as unique. Since the first trip westward American’s have been trying to find a better route.
With the advent of the motorized vehicles the need was finally recognized to have a proper organized system of roadways.
As more and more cars, motorcycles and modern trucks pour onto our roadways the need to design better and safer routes continues to push technological development.
