If the journey truly is the destination, then Alabama’s Highway to Hell doesn’t sound like it’s about the destination but that hell can be found on the highway itself. Though the state has other highways vying for the title, US Route 431 earns this name for a number of reasons, and most of Alabama’s residents would agree that it’s “highway to hell” status is well-earned. Starting from the Alabama-Tennesee border and ends nearly at the Florida state line, resulting in a 353 mile stretch teeming with dangers.
US Route 431 is not only one of the most dangerous highways in the US, but is even considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Some of this needs to be taken with a grain of salt, though. Since the stretch highway is so long, there will be higher instances of accidents, meaning that statistically, more will be fatal. (A longer stretch of road will have more accidents than a shorter stretch, just because of having higher traffic numbers.) However, this highly traveled highway does have factors that make it more difficult to travel on than other long stretches.
First, the highway is full of sudden twists, turns, inclines, and curves. This makes it notorious for having low visibility on a clear day, which only worsens at night or in inclement weather.
Second, or maybe in conjunction with the first, are speed issues. Drivers are often speeding on this highway and when combined with low visibility, create the high number of fatalities. In 2012, the World Health Organization documented 33, 808 road deaths in one year, making it the fourth deadliest road in the US.
Third, there are sudden lane endings and openings, with the highway suddenly switching from two to four lanes at a given time. Since it’s the main highway through the state, there are constantly vehicles entering and exiting the highway, without the lanes accommodating for the flow of traffic. Additionally, since it’s the main highway through the state, it is also perpetually changing speeds as it travels through a mix of small towns and major cities.
Since 2006, Alabama has worked on increasing safety on this highway by widening the road where possible and increasing state trooper patrols. Seeing as the WHO’s info comes from 2012, it’s unlikely that these efforts have done much to improve the highway quality. There’s been a lot of changes since it’s birth in July of 1953 and it’s fair to assume that it’s in need of an upgrade, though any information regarding that possibility was also difficult to find. Instead, take responsibility for yourself and be sure to drive alertly, don’t speed, check your blind spots, and drive a little slower when you notice visibility is low. And of course, pay attention to the signs posted along the way — Interstate Signways has made them to last and they’re there to encourage highway safety!
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