Most Dangerous Roads in Tennessee

While driving anywhere can prove to be dangerous, certain roads tend to be more hazardous than others. If you’re a nervous driver or tend not to drive very often, you may want to have someone else behind the wheel when you have to travel on these Tennessee roads.

Keep reading to learn about the most dangerous roads in the state.

Not All Roads Are Created Equal

#1 - Interstate 40

I-40 is by far the deadliest highway in Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, by the end of July 2019, this road claimed 37 lives. By the end of July 2020, this road claimed 43 lives. Both of these fatality rates are up from 2018, where 33 lives were lost on this road by the end of July.

#2 - Interstate 24

The Monteagle Mountain stretch of I-24 is a daunting, steep climb up the face of the mountain, and then a perilous angular descent featuring several twists, turns, and blind spots.

By the end of July in 2019, I-24 claimed 14 lives, and 22 lives in 2020.

#3 - U.S. Route 129

It’s widely debated that this road is one of the most scenic drives in Tennessee. Although, it’s also well-known to be one of the most dangerous roads in the state, and, some say, the entire country.

This road has been nicknamed “Tail of the Dragon” because it has 318 curves throughout an 11-mile stretch. Because of all of the winding turns, this road is extremely popular with motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.

While this road is extremely dangerous, there was only one reported death on this road during 2019.