Many road trippers consider Wyoming a sightseer’s dream. Yet, in spite of the beautiful surroundings, traversing the interstate and various roads presents significant hazards. With countless serious and fatal accidents, determining the most dangerous road may be subject to interpretation. Two, in particular, stand out as the worst.
US 287
Many travelers in and outside of Wyoming consider US 287 at the top of deadly and dangerous roads. Fatal car accidents have been reported for every two miles it covers over the past ten years. Most of the highway is just two lanes and features wildlife crossings, steep hills, limited passing opportunities, unexpected and spontaneous storms out of seemingly nowhere, and risky climbs up and down the mountains. Adding reckless and aggressive driving only creates more deadly dangers.
Interstate 80
Interstate 80 gives US 287 a run for its money for many Wyomingites. Located in the southern portion of the state, the road takes travelers through multiple counties of the Cowboy State and is well known for being particularly treacherous. Ranked first in the state and known as the eighth most dangerous highway in the United States, 175 crashes and 207 fatalities have occurred in the past decade.
Wyoming isn’t alone, as I-80 is also the deadliest highway in Nebraska and Iowa.
Drivers should be aware of the extreme weather changes, including limited visibility and winds that often exceed 60 miles per hour. Those who post e-travelogues recall spinning out of control due to the winds that often carry them off the ice-covered highway.
Regardless of potential dangers in Wyoming or anywhere across the country, drivers can take proactive steps to protect themselves. Employing defensive techniques, checking the weather patterns and staying within speed limits while traveling can make a significant difference. However, the safest motor vehicle operator can still find themselves injured in a severe collision caused by another driver’s recklessness, travelling at speeds too fast for conditions and inattentive driving.