Skip to main content

Top 4 Most Dangerous Roads in Illinois

Each year there are over 300,000 car accidents in the state of Illinois. These car crashes produce close to a thousand annual deaths and upwards of 65,000 injuries. With Chicago being one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, the state of Illinois certainly sees its fair share of car crashes and collisions. Here are the most dangerous roads to travel upon in all of Illinois.

#1. Route 55/Stevenson Expressway

When motorists aren’t dodging thrown rocks, shootings, and toxic spills, the Stevenson Expressway is a magnet for errant drivers and spectacular car accidents. Interstate 55 is renowned for being a paved avenue of mayhem. Over the years, the Stevenson Expressway has seen one deadly car crash after another, from wrecks involving Uber drivers, IDOT trucks, and even a particularly tragic car accident of a victim on her birthday. If you ever find yourself cruising on I-55, do your best to stay alert.

#2. Dan Ryan Expressway

Running through the heart of Chicago, the Dan Ryan Expressway is a freeway branching off of Interstate 90. On any given day the Dan Ryan sees up to 300,000 vehicles travel upon its paved surface. With so much traffic it’s no wonder the Dan Ryan is dangerous. In the last year alone, the Dan Ryan has seen several multi-vehicle crashes, hit-and-runs, motorcycle collisions, car accidents caused by drive-by shootings, and even crashes involving police cruisers. The Dan Ryan Expressway really is the wild, wild west of highways.

#3. Elgin O’Hare Tollway

Illinois Route 390 is known for more than just steep tolls. For such a short stretch of highway, the Elgin O’Hare Tollway sure is dangerous. The 10-mile road has had its fair share of automotive cataclysms. Illinois State Police have seen icy 11-car pileups, deadly hit-and-runs, and simply awful head-on crashes. Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident, but having to pay a hefty toll as well simply adds insult to injury.

#4. Route 66/55

Mile for mile, no other highway in the Prairie State is as dangerous as the infamous Route 55. Once known as “Bloody 66,” the 301 miles of Route 66 have seen it all. Even after much of the old Route 66 was decommissioned and replaced by Route 55, heavy traffic and mayhem still happens on the stretch of road. From wrong-way car collisions to garbage truck crashes to semi-truck roll-overs to tragic accidents involving family vehicles veering into the Vermillion River, Route 55 is as dangerous as they come.

The Top 4 Most Dangerous Roads in Florida

Car accidents can occur any time and any place, even down south in the Sunshine State. Despite its coastal island vibes and the wonderful world of Disney, the most dangerous roads in Florida are actually some of the worst in the entire country.
Part of the reason why there are so many personal injury billboards plastered across every highway in Florida is because of the extremely high accident rate and the increasing traffic death toll. Keep in mind though, if you find yourself stuck in the aftermath of a serious collision, you should always call 9-1-1 right away. If you have any questions about your accident you can always get free legal advice from an accident attorney on our Live Chat today.
Let’s take a look at the Top 4 Most Dangerous Roads in Florida:

Interstate 75: A Raceway to Tragedy


From the icy grips of northern Michigan down to the warm lakes pooling the outskirts of Miami, Interstate 75 offers plenty of Floridian natural beauty off of its many exits. But, with its long route to fun and games, Interstate 75 plays no game when it comes to its increasing number of tragic accidents.
According to the DOT, the accident rate on I-75 crossing through Alachua County is 90% higher than the statewide average for similar roads. Even worse, the number of vehicle wrecks jumped from 935 in 2011 to 1,538 in 2015 and is still increasing today.
One Tennessee family recently took I-75 from Nashville to Orlando and noticed how much faster drivers were speeding on the interstate, specifically from Lake City south. The husband, Mark Quarles, even said, “It’s like a NASCAR race because people generally know there is not going to be any state trooper presence on I-75 on the Florida side.” With speeding drivers on an already congested highway, travelers are finding it increasingly more difficult to avoid being in an accident.
The I-75 Task Relief Force says the only way to tackle I-75’s accident problem is by recommending improvements, instead of building a new roadway, which is what Florida lawmakers have suggested. Some blame large commercial trucks for the high collision rate, others blame the 38,000 vehicles traveling on I-75 per day. I-75 offers a scenic route from the Great Lakes down to the southern tip of Florida, but with that comes a dangerous risk of being involved in a deadly collision. Drive safe and distance yourself from speeding drivers.

I-10: No Safe Middle Ground Here

Known as the southernmost cross-country point of American Interstate Highway, Interstate 10 stretches across the entire spread of Florida’s Panhandle. But, this busy roadway doesn’t just stop here. In fact, I-10 runs through eight different states, starting from the surfing waves of Neptune Beach all the way out to the sunny skies of Santa Monica, California. I-10 is actually the fourth longest freeway in the country and certainly plateaus most lists of dangerous highways in the U.S.
The reason I-10 is on our list of Most Dangerous Roads in Florida is solely based on the fact that there are very few barriers throughout the entire 2,460-mile stretch of roadway. Because of the lack of barriers, it’s practically inevitable for drivers to cross over the center line and crash into oncoming traffic, if not traffic in surrounding lanes. In fact, the majority of the car accidents on I-10 are called crossover crashes.
Without middle medians, it’s virtually impossible for cars to avoid drifting into nearby lanes of traffic. If you plan on taking a cross-country road trip from Jacksonville to the sandy beaches of Santa Monica, don’t ever lose grip of the wheel, or you could be the next person to unexpectedly cross into other lanes of traffic.

Interstate 95: The Longest Shortcut to Disaster

Traveling along the entire Atlantic coast is definitely a must-do for many travelers. Through the brisk winds of coastal Maine to the swaying palm trees of Miami, driving along I-95 certainly brings all kinds of different road and weather conditions. Unfortunately, more than half of I-95 is a traffic nightmare and the very worst is seen in and around Miami, particularly through Miami-Dade and Broward.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, after a three-year period, there were more than 10,000 vehicle accidents recorded, including tragic deaths and serious injuries, in Miami County. Local highway police and lawmakers blame “lane divers” for I-95’s ridiculously high number of accidents. Lane-diving is like taking a shortcut through a highway, in specific, right through the orange express lane poles. It should come as no surprise that Interstate 95 is on our list of most dangerous roads in Florida for the reckless behavior of local and out-of-state drivers.
South Florida lawmakers and highway patrol agree that the expressway portion of I-95 near Miami is so dangerous that even with the costly efforts recently put into place to reduce lane-diving, it just isn’t enough to keep the 300,000 daily travelers safe. If you decide to take this coastal road trip, be sure to drive with extra caution near Miami and if you can, take a safer, less congested back road instead.

I-4: The Freeway with 3 Dreadful Names

Locally known as the “Haunted Highway” and nationally known as the busiest interstate in the United States, this Floridian freeway has recently taken on a third new name as the most dangerous road in the entire country, according to Teletrac Navman. Here’s why:
In the short 132-mile stretch from Daytona Beach to Orlando, and from Disney to Tampa, there are nearly 2 accident deaths per mile on Interstate 4, according to the NHTSA.
In fact, you’ll be surprised to know that the most dangerous section of roadway in the entire country runs right through the happiest place on Earth; from Lakeland to Disney World. Since 2016, nearly 800 crashes have occurred in this area. Traffic reports have stated the worst time to drive from Lakeland to Disney is around 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Part of the problem is that accidents are heavily blamed on Florida’s terribly relaxed texting and driving laws. Florida is actually the worst state in the country for distracted driving. So, if you plan to text and drive on Interstate 4, you might want to reconsider. This highway is a deadly one and you don’t want to be next.

Dangerous Roads in Florida – When Should I Speak With an Attorney?

Driving on some of the country’s most dangerous roads in Florida can end in tragedy. The above freeways have had more vehicle accidents than any other roadway in the United States due to their hazardous traffic conditions.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you should speak with a personal injury attorney right away. A car accident lawyer will help you determine what will be best for you and your injury case. Don’t wait. Contact us today! Most accident claims are time sensitive.  You deserve an Advocate!

The Most Dangerous Roads in Pennsylvania

There are a number of reasons as to why accidents occur so frequently. While we often point our fingers to negligent drivers, there are numerous other factors, such as traffic delays and road construction, that also contribute to vehicle accidents. Whether you’re simply cruising through your local town or making your 45-minute commute to work, it’s important to understand where and why Pennsylvania is home to some of the most dangerous roads in the country.

Pennsylvania highways are uniquely dangerous because they serve as the primary link between several big east coast cities, such New York, Baltimore and Washington D.C. With Pennsylvania wedged in between all three, these highways are often heavily trafficked, under construction, or frequently used by large tractor trailers who are also making a lengthy state-to-state commute.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the following five highways are considered the most dangerous roads in Pennsylvania:

The Top 5 Most Dangerous Pennsylvania Roads and Highways

1. Interstate 95

If you’ve ever driven on Interstate 95, we are sorry to say you’ve likely experienced the worst of east coast traffic. From being stuck in countless miles of never-ending construction to dodging accidents with some of America’s worst drivers, I-95 is one of the most dangerous highways in the entire country.

Though experts say the very worst of I-95 is down in southern Florida near Miami-Dade, the section of highway parallel to Philadelphia and the Delaware River, known as the Delaware Expressway, ranks equally as high throughout the state of Pennsylvania. In fact, the point where I-95 and Interstate 76 interchange near the Ben Franklin Bridge is considered a “congested nightmare” for daily commuters. According to data from FARS, from Levittown to Lincoln Financial Field, this short segment of roadway has seen more than 15 fatal crashes and 16 car accidents in 2016.

Most Philadelphians would recommend out-of-towners to find a different route if your GPS is pointing you in the direction of I-95. Several GPS maps, such as Waze, give drivers the most accurate traffic update with an option to find a route avoiding the use of highways and aggressive Eagles fans.

2. Interstate 83

Known to locals as the Susquehanna Expressway or the historic Veterans of Foreign Wars of United States Memorial Highway – but we won’t quiz you on that second name – Interstate 83 is a busy 85-mile stretch from the northern outskirts of Baltimore right to the center of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. While the quick stretch crosses mostly through the country haven of Pennsylvania, many travelers use this route as the quickest zip down to Maryland.

Unfortunately, though, Harrisburg has the second highest number of deadly road segments in all of Pennsylvania. While the population is roughly 30 times less than that of Philadelphia, the highways surrounding Harrisburg are still inherently dangerous and nearly 25 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents on highways, including I-83, in 2016.

Interestingly, the worst of I-83 is located within only a short distance of the Harrisburg Mall. If you’re headed toward Pennsylvania’s capital, keep in mind that I-83 becomes particularly dangerous in this area.

3. Interstate 80

Pennsylvania locals know all too well how eroded the streets and highways are. From maneuvering around massive potholes to avoiding crumbling roadways, Pennsylvania was recently ranked as the fourth worst state for having unsafe infrastructure. Shockingly enough, though, one of the most frequently used highways in this state is right here on our list of most dangerous roads in Pennsylvania.

Interstate 80 is a great travel route for cross-country road trips, but as most Pennsylvanians might warn, this highway may not be the safest for you and your family. While I-80 is certainly the longest route from east to west in Pennsylvania, this interstate is also in desperate need of some serious TLC.

Not only do many travelers use this route to get from New York City to the midwestern states, this is an equally as popular highway for tractor trailers as well. Along with extremely poor road conditions, I-80 is way too crowded. Through the vast mountain loops and winding valley turns, I-80 has caused many visibility issues for drivers, especially in harsh weather conditions or at night.

4. Interstate 79

From the brisk waterfront of Lake Erie down to the country swing of West Virginia, Interstate 79 offers a north to south stretch with a handful of twists and turns. While I-79 may be a resourceful route for family vacationers, it is exceptionally known for its wicked curves and dangerously aggressive drivers. In fact, for those who are unfamiliar with the interchange between I-79 and I-70, this portion of highway is where many drivers have faced the gruesome tale of being severely injured in an accident, if not worse.

Because of the quick turn and the tight U-shape hugging the interchange, unfortunately, a number of drivers have lost their lives to high speeds here. And while I-79 is the main freeway that connects Morgantown, Fairmont and Clarksburg down to Charleston, West Virginia, it may be best to find a more rural route to travel on.

5. Interstate 78

No one ever wants to fight a tractor trailer one-on-one. But on Interstate 78, this is a grim reality some drivers have too often been faced with. I-78 is swarm packed with thousands of semi-trucks every day. From the heart of the Big Apple out to the rural plains of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, I-78 may not be your best route to use if you’re afraid of driving near trucks.

We understand that fear. Accidents involving tractor trailers almost always end in tragedy. In fact, daily commuters who pass through the greater Allentown area on I-78 are practically numb to the amount of tragic accidents on this highway. In 2014, there were more 1,000 crashes in just the 32 miles of Lehigh Valley highway, according to statistics from the departments of transportation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

While we can’t entirely blame the semi-trucks for hogging up the roadways, three of the most common reasons accidents with tractor trailers occur is due to sleep deprivation, improper driver training, or poor vehicle maintenance and malfunction.

Need an Injury Attorney? Call The Advocates

If you’ve been hurt in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, you’ll want the best legal team on your side. And we will fight for you. As Advocates, it’s our duty to be a voice for the people when they’ve been injured in an accident.

When you choose to work with the Advocates, you will have the best car accident lawyer to represent your personal injury claim. Don’t wait. We will help you get the compensation you deserve today! You deserve an Advocate!

The Most Dangerous Roads in Alaska

Alaska is certainly where the wild things are. Imagine the population of Seattle spread out over an area equal to Washington, California, and Oregon combined. Vast wildernesses and a desolate tundra filled with wild animals of all sorts dominate the Alaskan landscape. In fact, there is one grizzly bear for every 24 people in Alaska. Man has made a foothold here but make no mistake, mother nature is still in charge, especially when it comes to the most dangerous roads in Alaska.

Despite the sparse population, Alaska ranks 4th in the nation with 1.57 traffic fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles driven. Our car accident attorneys at The Advocates have compiled a list of the four most dangerous roads in Alaska every driver should prepare for when traveling through the land of the midnight sun.

Here are the 4 most dangerous roads in Alaska: 

Alaska’s First Road: Richardson Highway

Winding from Valdez north to Fairbanks is a 318-mile stretch of the infamous Richardson Highway. Being the very first roadway that pierces through the interior of Alaska, this scenic passage tackles terrain of all kinds. Originally created in 1898 as a 5-foot-wide pack trail to access the Klondike gold fields, it was eventually upgraded for automobiles in the 1920s. Shortly after leaving Valdez, the route turns north heading over Thompson Pass whose 500 inches of annual snowfall is the highest in the state. As the state’s first major road, it suffers from many of the same dangers that face drivers across Alaska.

Driving at night is what makes driving on Richardson Highway one of the most dangerous roads in Alaska. Seasonal darkness can reduce sunlight to less than 4-hours a day. The ubiquitous presence of black ice, extreme winter weather and long distances for medical services all combine to make this road especially treacherous in winter. Traveling by car in Alaska is not to be taken lightly and locals suggest always packing road flares, first aid kit, emergency food and water as well as winter gear if traveling outside the summer months.

Sterling Highway: A Gateway to the Kenai Peninsula

Known as the only highway on the western or central Kenai Peninsula, the Sterling Highway services most of the population in the Kenai Borough. This popular road is littered with prime fishing spots and recreational activities. Its southern terminus is actually 4.5-miles out in Kachemak Bay at the end of the Homer Spit sandbar.

With no alternate routes, this stretch of highway suffers from the same congestion in the summer months as many other roads in Alaska when throngs of sightseers, tourists and outdoors enthusiasts descend on the area. One particularly hazardous reason this roadway is on our top most dangerous roads in Alaska is season is because of wildfires. At times passage is reduced to small bands of vehicles led by a pilot car through the smoky terrain. Always check current road conditions before planning a trip in this area year around.

Seward Highway: Long Road to Anchorage

Stretching the 125 miles between the port city of Seward and Anchorage is the Seward Highway. This route leaves Anchorage and winds down the Turnagain Arm coastline before turning west onto the famed Kenai Peninsula. This route is packed with breathtaking scenery as well as frequent wildlife sightings, which includes eagles, Dall sheep, moose and even beluga whales. Unfortunately, the stunning vistas are part of the problem.

In the summer months this highway is stuffed with sightseers, tourists and fishermen eager to get to their destination. As a two-lane highway winding through challenging terrain, “No Passing” areas are a common threat for drivers. Speeding, distracted drivers and moose wandering also contribute to the many hazards on Seward Highway. These factors combined create dangerous driving conditions that result in car accidents far too frequently.

Truck drives down a snowy mountain road

Dalton Highway: A Dangerous Stairway to the Arctic

Climbing from Fairbanks all the up to the Arctic Circle is one of our the most dangerous roads in Alaska: Dalton Highway, also known as Route 11. These 415 miles are so desolate that it has been

dubbed the loneliest road in America. The northern portion of Route 11 was even featured in two seasons of Ice Truckers. Once you drive past the northernmost truck stop in the world in Coldfoot, begins the 240-mile span of the longest stretch of highway in North America with no services of any kind. Originally created for construction of the Alaskan Pipeline, the commercial traffic of large trucks barreling through legally possess the absolute right of way which they enforce with impunity.

The many memorials that line the road stand as grim reminders of the real dangers faced when traveling this far north. The infamous crater-like potholes appear almost benign compared to steep terrain with grades up to 16% through slick road conditions. Grizzlies and moose can be found suddenly wandering on the road which often has meager visibility. Winter temperatures down to 80 below and a treacherous mix of brutal weather, high winds and polar conditions make driving this road outside of July and August a risky option at best. The lack of cell phone service leaves only daily helicopter patrols searching for wrecks and travelers in distress as your only salvation in case of a car accident.

Contact The Advocates

If your next trip involves trekking through Alaska by vehicle, take the time to prepare carefully and ensure you are ready for anything the road may throw at you. If you or a loved is injured in an accident, through to no fault of your own, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. A seasoned professional who specializes in personal injury is the surest way to guarantee you will receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.

The Advocates have a proven record of fighting for their clients and will fight for you and your loved ones every step of the way through filing your claim. Choosing the right attorney who is a specialist in car accidents alleviates you from the burden of having to handle claims adjusters, insurance agents and hospital bills while you are trying to recover. Don’t wait. Chat with a car accident lawyer on our Live Chat. You deserve an Advocate!

Speak with an Advocate Today!