Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Asheville (2024)

Most of us need to drive. Driving gets us where we need to go. Most of us don’t consider the unfortunate fact that we are essentially putting our lives in our hands every time we get behind the wheel. There are dangerous drivers out there, and when they drive on particularly dangerous roads, accidents happen. Fatal car accidents are a daily occurrence, and Asheville, North Carolina, has some of the deadliest stretches of road in the country.

Here are just a few of the most dangerous roads and intersections that can lead to car accidents in Asheville.

Asheville Car Accident Statistics

According to a 2020 report by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, there were over 247,000 car accidents reported in North Carolina that year. In those accidents, there were over 1,600 fatalities, an increase of over 12% from 2019. 25% of those deaths were connected in some way to speeding, one of the leading causes of death in car accidents across the country. If you are involved in a car accident, fatal or otherwise, it may be wise to speak to an attorney.

A little under 18% of all reported car crashes in North Carolina were a direct cause of distracted driving, which still ranks as the leading cause of car accidents in nearly every state in the country. Anything that takes the driver’s eyes and focus off the road is considered distracted driving. That means talking on the phone, texting, eating and drinking, talking with other passengers, road rage, and failing to obey road signs.

The Most Dangerous Roads

North Carolina has some of the most beautiful scenery of any state in the country. Its gorgeous trees, lakes, and towns make it a popular tourist destination for vacationers around the world. The state is also home to some of the most dangerous stretches of road in the country, with several of them located in Asheville:

• Merrimon Avenue: There is a particularly dangerous stretch of road in downtown Asheville, specifically along Merrimon Avenue and near Interstate 240. Over 25 pedestrians have been injured in that one stretch of road alone, according to an article from Asheville’s own Mountain Xpress. Pedestrians are advised to take precautions in this area, which is known locally for cars speeding through it to try and make the light.
• US Highway 74: This highway runs from Chattanooga, Tennessee, all the way to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, and it is ranked among the most dangerous highways in North Carolina. There is a section between Asheville and Wilmington that has been the site of far too many fatal accidents over the years.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has done what it can to try and make the road more secure, but ultimately, it is up to the drivers to be more alert and aware of their surroundings. Rumble strips, newly installed signs, and a bump in present law enforcement can only do so much.

The roads in and around Asheville, bustling with auto vehicles, motorcycles, and bicyclists, are full of scenic greenery along the highways. Fatalities are higher on these highways because of the unexpected curves in the road, the steep slopes, and the semi-obstructed view, thanks to the scenery.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Dangerous Road in North Carolina?

A: The most dangerous road in North Carolina is an 11-mile stretch of US-129 with 318 curves, very few guardrails, and an apparent magnet for thrill seekers, particularly motorcyclists. Locals and vacationers alike call it the “Tail of the Dragon.” The road begins on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, and it remains a popular vacation spot despite the frequent deaths and injuries. There have been 29 reported deaths on this road since 1995.

Q: Is North Carolina a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: North Carolina is very much an at-fault state, which means that the insurance company of the party who is found to be at fault is responsible for compensating the injured party for any losses the court and/or insurance investigator deems necessary, including medical bills, auto repair costs, lost wages, back pay, and any other expenses related to the accident.

Q: Does North Carolina Have Bad Roads?

A: North Carolina is in need of some infrastructure repair, as a report from the National Transportation Research Nonprofit (TRIP) revealed that at least a third of the state’s roads are in poor condition or on the verge of being in poor condition. The cities of Charlotte and Wilmington rank among the worst in terms of road maintenance. This may not automatically equate to “bad roads,” but it certainly means the state government should consider improving conditions to curb easily avoidable accidents in the future.

Q: Is North Carolina a Safe Place to Drive?

A: Many studies have ranked North Carolina among the safest states in America to drive in, with the state ranking 6th in the nation for drivers in a recent survey by WalletHub. The study considered the following factors for driving conditions:

• Cost of Ownership & Maintenance
• Safety
• Traffic & Infrastructure
• Access to Vehicles & Vehicle Maintenance

The state ranked behind Iowa, Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Alabama in the top ten.

If an Accident Happens, Contact a Lawyer Today

While the roads of North Carolina can be somewhat treacherous depending on who is driving on them, one way to avoid any potential trauma is to practice defensive driving and remain focused. But that’s easier said than done. It is way easier to focus on yourself and your own driving habits than it is to trust that other drivers are doing the same. Asheville’s roads and intersections are only as dangerous as the distracted drivers ignoring the warning signs.

Accidents are not an unusual occurrence, especially on roads that may be in dire need of maintenance or are known for being curvy and dangerous. The team at Bridgman Gantt Law understands how to help you seek proper compensation for an unexpected situation. Improperly maintained roads are just bad accidents waiting to happen, and you may have a car accident claim you can pursue with the help of an experienced team of attorneys.

Contact us as soon as you can to schedule a consultation.