North Carolina is a beautiful state with much to see and do. Whether you’re a driver or passenger, most people drive to get around this state. However, there are dangerous roads throughout North Carolina. Knowing about these roads can help you prepare if you must drive on them.
The Tail of the Dragon
Along U.S. 129, you’ll find a potentially dangerous road called the Tail of the Dragon. Initially, North Carolina promoted this road as an ideal path for adventurous motorcyclists. With automobiles having a tougher time navigating this road’s 318 curves, accidents here are common. The Tail of the Dragon often appears on lists of the most dangerous roads in the United States.
U.S. 29
North Carolina’s U.S. 29 is a five-mile stretch that often leads to many motor vehicle accidents annually. This highway might not feature as many curves as U.S. 129, but it is a popular road for commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles are much larger and heavier than passenger automobiles. Because of that, semi trucks often contribute to fatal accidents. Unfortunately, in only a two-year period from 2015 to 2017, 61 fatalities occurred on U.S. 29.
I-95
Interstate 95 is another notoriously dangerous road. Running through part of North Carolina, this road often gets significant yearly precipitation. During warmer months, frequent rain leads to dangerously slippery roads. As the weather gets colder and precipitation continues, this highway is often covered with snow and ice. Weather conditions often contribute to the over 30 fatalities on I-95 each year.
Every state has roads and highways more dangerous than others. Keeping a safe distance from other drivers, avoiding distractions, and obeying all road signs can help ensure your safety.