Top 10 Most Dangerous Highways in Virginia You Should Avoid

If you’ve ever taken a road trip through Virginia, you know the state has a mix of scenic drives and hectic highways. But not all roads are created equal. Some are notorious for crashes, congestion, and poor visibility. Whether you’re a daily commuter or just passing through, knowing which highways to steer clear of can literally be a lifesaver. Let’s break down the top 10 most dangerous highways in Virginia you should avoid.

I-95

This highway is one of the busiest on the East Coast, and in Virginia, it’s no different. Stretching from the North Carolina border through Richmond and up to D.C., I-95 sees massive traffic every day. Add speeding, aggressive drivers, and frequent roadwork, and it’s a recipe for accidents. It’s especially risky during rush hours and holidays.

Route 460

Route 460 might not be as famous as I-95, but it’s just as deadly in some parts. This road cuts through rural Virginia, where high speeds and fewer traffic lights lead to frequent head-on collisions. With large trucks sharing the route, the danger only increases. It’s often listed in crash statistics for a reason.

I-81

I-81 is a long interstate that winds through the mountainous western part of Virginia. It’s heavily used by tractor-trailers, making it a hazard zone for smaller vehicles. Add fog, rain, and icy conditions in the colder months, and you’ve got one of the most crash-prone roads in the state.

Route 58

This is the longest highway in Virginia and one of the most unpredictable. It spans from the southwest corner of the state all the way to the coast. With its sharp curves, narrow lanes, and inconsistent speed limits, Route 58 sees a high number of fatal crashes every year.

Route 29

Running through Charlottesville and Lynchburg, Route 29 is another rural highway that has become infamous for deadly accidents. Sudden stops, hidden driveways, and distracted driving make it a high-risk road. It’s even been the focus of crime investigations, adding another layer of notoriety.

I-64

Linking cities like Richmond, Charlottesville, and Hampton Roads, I-64 gets overloaded quickly, especially near tunnels and bridges. During tourist seasons, the traffic spikes, and so do the accidents. Rear-end collisions are especially common due to stop-and-go traffic.

Route 13

Also known as the Eastern Shore route, Route 13 is deceptively simple. But this two-lane road with high-speed limits and limited passing zones creates dangerous situations. Tractor-trailers are common here, and with few alternate routes, it’s a high-risk area for crashes.

I-85

While it doesn’t stretch far through Virginia, I-85’s short distance is packed with danger. This interstate often features speeding and reckless driving, especially near the North Carolina border. Night driving is particularly hazardous due to low lighting and wildlife crossings.

Route 17

Route 17 serves as a major connector in eastern Virginia. It seems harmless, but the mix of urban and rural zones makes for sudden traffic shifts and erratic driving. High speeds and low enforcement in some stretches add to its reputation.

George Washington Parkway

This scenic drive near D.C. may be beautiful, but don’t let that fool you. The curves, narrow lanes, and sudden merging traffic make it treacherous. It’s also a common route for tourists unfamiliar with the area, which can lead to slowdowns and unpredictable maneuvers.

Here’s a quick overview of the most dangerous highways based on crash reports:

Highway	Main Issues	Risk Level
I-95	Heavy traffic, speeding, roadwork	Very High
Route 460	High speeds, rural, truck traffic	High
I-81	Truck volume, weather, mountainous	Very High
Route 58	Curves, narrow lanes, speed changes	High
Route 29	Hidden driveways, rural layout	High
I-64	Congestion, tunnels, bridges	Moderate
Route 13	Two-lane, few passing zones	High
I-85	Speeding, low lighting, wildlife	High
Route 17	Urban-rural mix, erratic driving	Moderate
George Washington Pkwy	Narrow lanes, tourists, curves	Moderate

While no road is completely safe, being informed helps you prepare or choose alternate routes. Use navigation tools, avoid peak hours, and always drive alert. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.

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