Travel Guides Road Trips
Caitlyn Knuth
Driving is an activity many of us participate in daily. It gets us to work on time, and from point A to point B when errands need to be checked off the to-do list. Our vehicles are also our ticket to adventure when it’s time to enjoy a fun road trip. However, every time you get behind the wheel, there’s a certain amount of risk involved.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are over 6 million police-reported motor vehicle collisions on roadways across the U.S. each year. The NHTSA also maintains a Fatality Analysis Reporting System. This is used to assess which of the country’s states, counties, and even specific roads put drivers at the greatest risk.
The Zebra analyzed the Fatality Analysis Reporting System’s most recent report, which points to Interstate 95 (I-95) as being the most statistically dangerous in the U.S. based on average fatality ratings. I-95 is a north-to-south interstate running along the East Coast. While I-95 certainly offers a convenient connection route between coastal states for travelers, its dangerous reputation makes it one you might just want to avoid on your next East Coast road trip.
Consider an alternative to this dangerous route
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I-95 extends from Florida through Maine and covers nearly 2,000 miles of terrain. Those who travel I-95 can pass through 15 states and link up with major cities from New York City to Jacksonville. Unfortunately, the sheer size and connectivity have turned I-95 into the nation’s deadliest highway. Data collected by the NHTSA revealed 284 fatalities on I-95 in 2019, according to The Zebra. Several factors contribute to the highway’s perilous reputation. One is the notoriously severe seasonal weather experienced along the East Coast in the wintertime. Heavy rain and snowfall in this region can make I-95 extremely dangerous for drivers.
I-95 works as a major connection point between some of the nation’s most populated cities. This means it’s a prime place for traffic congestion year-round. Increased traffic inevitably leads to heightened risks of accidents, pileups, and fatalities on the road.
The next time you’re planning a road trip that takes you along the East Coast, it’s worth your while to find a way to avoid I-95 in the name of safety. A more scenic option to consider is Highway 301. This route will help you avoid traffic jams, savor the views, and explore smaller towns along the East Coast. Yes, it may take you longer to get where you’re going, but you’ll have the peace of mind you deserve while enjoying a one-of-a-kind road trip.
