280+ million vehicles are in operation in the US; that’s over 18% of the world’s total. With this kind of traffic, it’s no surprise the US ranks among the countries with the most motor vehicle crashes. While America has plenty of scenic roads, they don’t always meet the highest safety standards. Even if you enjoy scenic drives, knowing the road conditions is essential for a seamless experience. Here are the dangerous roads to avoid in the US in 2025.
Interstate 285, Georgia
Connecting three major highways—I-20, I-75, and I-85—in Atlanta, Interstate 285 is dubbed “Death Highway” due to the frequent wreckages and crashes it experiences. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, car accidents occur 500 times a year along the road. Speeding is a major cause of crashes on Interstate 285.
Overseas Highway, Florida
Connecting Florida’s mainland to Key West, the Overseas Highway is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Stretching 113 miles across 44 islands with 42 bridges, it’s one of the longest over-water drives on earth. Much of the road is two-lane, and with 100+ fatalities resulting from car accidents, it’s Florida’s deadliest highway.
Skyline Drive, Colorado
Skyline Drive is a gorgeous, narrow, one-way road in Cañon City, Colorado. It only stretches 2.6 miles and boasts sweeping views, making it one of the most scenic drives in the country. However, with just one lane, steep drop-offs, a lack of guardrails, and sharp turns, it’s perilous and has caused numerous accidents.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), California
Extending 600 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles, the Pacific Coast Highway offers incredible views, winding through rugged cliffs, towering trees, pristine beaches, and iconic landmarks. Unfortunately, it has hidden hazards; the highway is super curvy and includes narrow stretches and steep cliffs. It also experiences more traffic than it was built to handle. The many road accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities make it one of the most dangerous roads to avoid in the US in 2025.
Interstate 40 (I-40), Arizona
Stretching 2,555.10 miles from California to North Carolina, Interstate 40 is America’s third-longest Interstate Highway. Arizona’s section of the highway covers 359.11 miles. It travels to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Williams, and Falstaff, offering some of the best scenery in the state. However, it is the site of numerous fatalities, thanks to traffic congestion, crumbling roads, sharp curves, and more.
U.S. Highway 83, Texas
U.S. Highway 83 in Texas stretches 900+ miles from the U.S./Mexico border to the Oklahoma state line. It’s Texas’ longest highway with incredible views, including the Hill Country of Texas. Also called the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, it’s a perilous road with an average of 26 fatal crashes annually.
Pikes Peak Highway, Colorado
One of the easiest ways to see Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs’ most famous attraction, is by driving the 19-mile scenic Pikes Peak Highway. Driving to the 14,000+ ft summit offers plenty of scenic experiences, from wildlife spotting to views of lakes and mountain vistas. But it has deadly hazards, like blind turns and high elevation gain, making it a treacherous road to explore in 2025.
Highway 2, Montana
Stretching from Butte to Three Forks, the 63-mile Highway 2 is the perfect way to see much of Montana’s incredible offerings. It winds through numerous scenic attractions, from charming small towns to impressive wonders like canyons and wilderness areas. It remains one of the most beautiful drives in the US, but its remoteness, steep grades, narrow lanes, limited network, and lack of medical facilities make it a dangerous road.
Interstate 10 (I-10), Louisiana
Interstate 10 is a vital route for commerce, tourism, and daily commutes, extending east to west through eight states. At 2,460 miles, it’s America’s fourth-longest interstate highway. Louisiana’s part of the route covers 270 miles and takes about five hours of driving time. It’s famous among road trippers for its stunning views and iconic bridges; however, it also has a reputation for being the deadliest road in the state, with high traffic volumes, poor road conditions, and drunk driving causing the most accidents.
Interstate 70, Colorado
Once considered an engineering marvel, Interstate 70 is a popular route for exploring the Great Plains and Colorado’s majestic peaks. Running through the Rocky Mountains between Grand Junction and Denver, it’s full of breathtaking views and also goes through tunnels. It’s a scenic route, but as one of the busiest highways in the Centennial State, heavy traffic, mountainous and unpredictable weather patterns, sharp turns, and steep grades make it a dangerous route.
Million Dollar Highway (Highway 550), Colorado
Running 25 miles from Ouray to Silverton through the San Juan Mountains, Million Dollar Highway is a bucket-list item for anyone touring Southwest Colorado. It offers incredibly diverse scenic scenery, from mountains and valleys to gorges. However, its narrowness with zero guardrails, steep drop-offs, and high elevation makes it one of the most dangerous roads to avoid in the US in 2025.
Interstate 95 (I-95)
Stretching 1,924 miles from Maine to Florida, Interstate 95 is America’s longest north-to-south and sixth-longest Interstate. The route has numerous scenic spots, including Miami (FL), Savannah and Tybee Island (GA), and Fredericksburg (VA). It’s also an essential part of the US transportation system, linking multiple major Eastern cities. Despite that, it is notorious for being the East Coast’s most dangerous highway, thanks to the high incidence of fatal accidents.
Tail of the Dragon (US 129), North Carolina
The 11-mile Tail of the Dragon is known for the 300+ curves that make it appear like a dragon’s trail. The drive boasts impressive views, but for avid adventurers, every twist and turn along the road is nothing but pure joy. While it offers a mix of thrill and challenge, the winding curves within just 11 miles, as well as the blind corners and heavy traffic, make it a dangerous road.
Dalton Highway, Alaska
Running 400+ miles from Livengood to Deadhorse, Dalton Highway is North Alaska’s only road. One of the world’s northernmost roads, it’s often called “the highway on top of the world.” The route is scenic, wild, and challenging. While it winds through many breathtaking spots, including the Arctic Circle and the Gates of the Arctic National Park, it is a dangerous road to avoid driving on alone. Much of the drive is gravel and includes large potholes. You may also experience extreme weather conditions, limited access to necessary services, and a poor network.
Highway 17, South Carolina
Also called the Coastal Highway, Highway 17 is a great way to experience the raw beauty of the Southeast US, from inviting small towns to undiscovered gems. South Carolina’s portion of the road is a major highway near the Atlantic, with plenty of scenic views. However, it’s one of the most dangerous roads to avoid in the US in 2025. The sharp turns, heavy traffic, and frequent wildlife crossings pose a danger to drivers and motorists.
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