Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads for Truck Drivers in the U.S

Despite regulations that limit the amount of consecutive hours a trucker can spend behind the wheel, accidents still happen. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, large truck crashes killed 3,986 people in 2016 alone, and many of those fatal accidents involved multiple trucks.

The causes of accidents range from vehicle defects to poor weather conditions, but some stretches of road just seem to attract more tragedy than others.

So what roadways are most hazardous for truck drivers in the United States? Numbers from the U.S. Department of Transportation suggest the following:

I-10 in Alabama

Interstate 10 spans about 2,460 miles, connecting California and Florida in the process. This is the United States' fourth-longest highway, and some parts of it don't feature barriers, increasing the risk of crossover crashes. However, the 66-mile stretch through Alabama is possibly one of the most dangerous roads for truckers.

I-95 in Florida

With a length of over 1,900 miles, Interstate 95 holds the title of sixth longest interstate highway. More notably, it passes through a grand total of 15 states – more than any other highway. If you're on a journey to pass through as many states as you can, this might be a wise road to take. But if you're a truck driver on the clock, you'll want to pay special attention to the roughly 380-mile stretch through the Sunshine State, which can be especially hazardous for larger vehicles.

HWY-75 in Idaho

The Gem State is home to plenty of scenic wilderness. It's also home to HWY-17, a two-lane highway that winds through the heart of the state, an area known as the Sawtooth Valley. Offering views of expansive lakes and majestic mountains in the distance, the Sawtooth Valley is pure eye candy for nature lovers. However, truck drivers shouldn't spend too much time taking in these natural wonders. They need to stay focused, as truck accidents are a common occurrence along this route.

I-70 in Colorado  

Interstate 70 runs from Utah to Maryland, covering all sorts of terrain along the way. In fact, the highway reaches an impressive elevation of over 11,000 feet at the Eisenhower Tunnel, making it one of the highest vehicular tunnels on earth. Despite its more positive claims to fame, Interstate 70's stretch through Garfield County in Colorado is also known for its high-crash rate. The mountainous terrain proves dangerous even when driving conditions are good.  If you find yourself in a truck accident in the Centennial State, a good truck accident lawyer can make all the difference.

US-1 in Florida

US-1 spans over 2,360 miles along the East Coast, connecting Maine with Florida. Decades ago, Life magazine declared it the "ugliest road in America." And while that title may or may not still be relevant, US-1 is certainly infamous for its high rate of fatal crashes. Its 545-mile stretch through Florida isn't just dangerous for truckers, but for all motorists. According to the telematics company Geotab, over a thousand motorists lost their lives on US-1 over the course of 10 years.

Whether you're passing a truck or driving one, keep these five roadways in mind as you travel. Practice caution, stay alert, and ensure your vehicle is ready to handle the vast stretches of America.