Highways are some of the most common roads in the country, going through and between states. A research and analysis organization called Value Penguin took data from all the highways in America between 2010 and 2016 and determined which are the most dangerous. The three factors they considered in their rankings were fatalities per crash, the percentage of fatal non-vehicle crashes, and fatal crashes per vehicle miles traveled per capita. From there, they found that these three highways were the most dangerous in America.
- US-93 Arizona. Between the specified years, there were only 70 fatal crashes with 90 fatalities. While this may seem low, compared to other highways, remember that there are more two other determining factors than just the number of fatalities. While the road is a popular route between Phoenix and Las Vegas, the most dangerous section was in Mohave County, Arizona.
- SR-9 Oklahoma. The second-largest highway in the state, it stretches for 348 miles going east and west across Oklahoma. There were 50 crashes with 60 fatalities during the years examined and the most dangerous section was in Cleveland County, Oklahoma.
- US-160 Colorado. This highway starts in New Mexico and ends near the Kansas state border. It is known for the steep roads and multiple switchbacks, including a dangerous portion called Wolf Creek Pass. The most dangerous part is through La Plata County. There were 80 fatal crashes with 99 fatalities in these years.
Driving Safely
There are many driving tips that can help keep drivers safe on highways. Many of these go back to driving school basics, but reviewing them can help remind drivers that the most simple tips are often the best. Here are the best ways to stay safe on any highway.
- Don’t drive distracted. Put your phone away, keep eating to a minimum, and limit conversations with passengers. Staying alert and attentive is the most important job of a driver.
- Don’t drink and drive. It is never safe to operate a vehicle if you are not in top condition. Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or some prescription medications can increase the dangerous conditions for any driver and the cars around them on the road.
- Drive well-rested. Driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as driving while drunk. If you find yourself starting to get tired, switch drivers or pull off the road and take a nap.
- Keep calm. Don’t engage in road rage. Keeping your aggressive driving to a minimum can help you stay levelheaded and safe. Don’t speed, tailgate, or do an angry gesture to another driver. If you find yourself getting upset, remove yourself from the situation by pulling off the road, doing calm breathing, or putting on calm music.
The most important tip of all is to make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt. Sometimes there are circumstances you cannot control. Other vehicles might crash into you, there could be a slippery patch of road, or there is a problem with the car. If everyone is wearing their seatbelts, the likelihood of the crash being fatal decreases.
If you are interested in having teen drivers training courses that cover these safety tips and more, look at our programs. A great education can help provide a solid foundation for years of driving.