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The truck driving profession comes with its inherent risks, but the majority of professional truck drivers manage to navigate their entire careers without encountering major accidents. While these drivers prioritize safety and possess the necessary skills to transport loads using specialized equipment, they have no control over road design. And when adverse weather conditions come into play, certain stretches of U.S. highways become particularly dangerous for truckers. Here are the top five highways that truckers try to avoid whenever possible.
Highway 550 in Colorado (The Million Dollar Highway):
This 25-mile section earned its nickname ‘The Million Dollar Highway’ due to the hefty price tag required to construct it in the 1880s. Today, it poses significant danger for truckers. With its numerous twists and turns through mountains reaching heights of 11,000 feet, lack of shoulders or guardrails, and steep cliffs, this route presents a harrowing experience for drivers. Moreover, the region’s unpredictable weather, including frequent snow, ice, and high winds, further compounds the risks involved.
Highway 2 in Montana:
Stretching for 760 miles from the Washington state line to just east of Bainville, this highway runs through remote and sparsely populated areas. Harsh winter weather conditions, such as high winds, blizzards, and black ice, make this road particularly treacherous. With limited traffic and fast-driving tendencies among motorists, the average response time for emergency services can be alarmingly high, increasing the dangers faced by truckers.
Dalton Highway in Alaska:
Also known as Alaska Route 11, this 414-mile road serves as the primary route for truckers traveling between Fairbanks and northern regions of the state. The Dalton Highway winds through mountainous terrain, offering minimal access to emergency services and featuring only one fuel stop along the way. Adding to the already icy driving conditions, the highway has been open to tourists since 1994, prompting daily helicopter patrols in search of motorists in need of assistance.
Interstate 10 in Arizona:
As the fourth-longest interstate highway in the United States, stretching from the west to the east coast, Interstate 10 encompasses over 360 miles in Arizona. This section passes through vast, desolate desert landscapes with high traffic volume and a lack of median barriers, creating a visually crowded route for drivers. With only one fuel stop along the entire stretch and the 150-mile span from Phoenix to the California border considered one of the nation’s most dangerous highways, truckers approach this road with caution.
Interstate 95 in Connecticut:
Running for over 1,900 miles from Houlton, Maine to Miami, Interstate 95 holds the title of the longest north-south interstate in the country. Within Connecticut, an 8-mile stretch passing through the city of Norwalk accounts for a majority of accidents. Tractor-trailer accidents are highly susceptible to winter storms, heavy springtime rains, and random high winds, making this section particularly hazardous for truckers.
Conclusion
Despite these challenging stretches of highway, professional truck drivers, with their expertise and commitment to safety on the road, manage to navigate their careers successfully.