In this field, worrying about reckless driving is a constant concern. But sometimes it’s not just careless four-wheelers you need to watch out for. Sometimes, the road itself is the dangerous part. In these scenarios, instead of dodging risky drivers, your attention is focused on the dangers of your environment. At least you’ll be focused if you’re on these roads!
The Million Dollar Highway / Colorado
Located on U.S. Route 550 in Colorado, the Million Dollar Highway takes you through the Red Mountain Pass into the San Juan Mountains. Riding at 11,000 feet above sea level, you are faced with a winding road without guardrails and shoulders, so drivers need to keep their wits about them. Why the lack of guardrails? Well, when snow piles up, they need to remove it somehow. That’s right, it goes right off the edge of the road and down the mountains!
Interstate 10 / Arizona
Sure, Interstate 10 runs the entire length of the United States, but the portion that starts in Phoenix and runs to the California border is a step above the rest. While the population of the area is low, the death toll remains relatively high in comparison. And this sparsely populated desert means any hospital or emergency service coming to help you has a ways to go before they can arrive.
James Dalton Highway / Alaska
You knew we were headed to Alaska eventually—I mean, what’s more dangerous than ice road trucking? With Dalton Highway’s 414-mile dirt road stretch, supplying the local oil and gas businesses is no easy task. Also known as the haul road, this route takes truckers through the mountains of the Brooks Range, where it once fell to -80 degrees Fahrenheit, the lowest temperature ever recorded in U.S.! Now, there are occasional helicopter patrols looking out for vehicles piling up, but that does little to decrease the dangers of Dalton. While the road was designed for rigs, four-wheelers can pass through it, but not many auto rental companies will allow tourists to try—so at least we have that assurance.
Interstate 26 / South Carolina
Nothing like a little southern hospitality to keep you safe on the road, right? That counts for most of the South, but the little stretch between Interstates 26 and 95 is a magnet for auto accidents. Maybe it’s the endless trees lining either side of the road, or the steep shoulders, but many a car careen off the tarmac and into the ditches. Maybe it’s the speeding four-wheelers, or the lack of guardrails, but this road has a well-deserved reputation!
Routes 1 & 11 / Maine
Hitting a deer can scratch, ding, or dent any vehicle. But what happens when you hit a moose? Yeah, we’re gonna let you Google that on your own free time. But on both Routes 1 and 11 up in Maine, there can be a moose at any turn! With the hilly terrain, faded road signs, sharp curves, and devastating winters—Maine supplies any driver with enough danger to keep the blood pressure spiking. But hey, somebody has to transport that freight there.
Whatever takes you on these roads, keep in mind that you have a few tax deadlines that would be dangerous to miss. Your personal taxes are due by April 18th, and your IFTA deadline is April 30th. We’re still a few months away from your HVUT 2290’s deadline, but we’ll be here for you then.
If you have any questions about your deadlines, we’re available by phone at 704.234.6005. Our dedicated and friendly customer support team is looking forward to your call!