These 5 Illinois roads rank among nation's most-feared for winter driving: survey

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The Brief

Winter weather makes driving hazardous, with snow, ice, and fog creating dangerous conditions.

A survey of 3,000 drivers revealed the nation’s most feared roads, including five in Illinois, such as I-90 and I-57.

Safety tips include slowing down, increasing following distance, and preparing an emergency kit for winter travel.

CHICAGO-While a fresh blanket of [1 link] snowcan transform any scene into a stunning winter wonderland, it often creates a nightmare for [2 link] motorists.

Winter poses significantly greater challenges to navigating the nation's roadways than any other time of year, even for the most skilled drivers. Shorter daylight hours, along with weather conditions like ice, sleet, and fog, all contribute to increasingly hazardous driving conditions.

For this reason, many people fear driving in the winter, but some routes are more feared by drivers than others.

A new survey of 3,000 drivers conducted by [3 link] Gunther VW Daytonahas revealed the nation’s most feared roads for winter driving—five of them are right here in [4 link] Illinois.

[5 image]

Commuters navigate a snow-covered Kennedy Expressway during a lighter-than-ussual evening rush hour as temperatures hang in the single-digits on December 22, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

(Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Illinois' Most Feared RoadsLocal perspective

These five Illinois roads, all of which run through the [6 link] Chicagoarea, were named among the most feared for winter driving in the United States.

16 Interstate 90As part of the longest interstate highway in the U.S., I-90 traverses northern Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area. Winter weather can cause significant challenges, with snow and ice leading to increased accident rates, especially in congested urban sections.

51 Interstate 80Running east-west across northern Illinois, I-80 is a critical corridor for cross-country travel. Winter storms can lead to hazardous conditions, including slick roads and whiteouts, making this interstate particularly dangerous during the colder months.

68 Interstate 55Connecting Chicago and St. Louis, I-55 is a major north-south route that can become treacherous during winter months. Snow, ice, and reduced visibility contribute to a higher incidence of accidents, particularly in areas with heavy traffic.

85 Interstate 94Sharing portions with I-90, I-94 runs through Chicago and continues northward. The combination of high traffic volumes and winter weather conditions can result in dangerous driving situations, with a notable number of accidents occurring during the winter season.

181 Interstate 57Extending from Chicago to the southern part of the state, I-57 has been identified as the most dangerous highway in Illinois, with 39 fatalities during the summers from 2015 to 2017. Winter conditions, including snow and ice, can exacerbate these dangers, leading to increased risks of accidents.

Top 5 Most Feared Roads in the U.S.Dig deeper

Nationally, the top 5 most feared roads were as follows:

1 Alaska Highway (Alaska Route 2)Also known as the Alcan Highway, this route in the top spot stretches from Dawson Creek in British Columbia through the Yukon to Delta Junction in Alaska. While generally well-maintained, winter brings challenges like snow, ice, and reduced daylight. Travelers should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and limited services in remote areas.

2 Interstate 90 (I-90), New YorkRunning east-west across the state, I-90 is particularly dangerous in Western New York. Lake-effect snow from Lake Erie can lead to sudden and heavy snowfall, creating treacherous driving conditions and frequent road closures during winter months.

3 Seward Highway (Alaska Route 9)Linking Anchorage to Seward, this highway is known for its scenic beauty but also for hazardous driving conditions during winter. The combination of narrow lanes and frequent wildlife crossings, along with icy surfaces, increase the risk of accidents.

4 Pennsylvania Route 6 (U.S. Route 6)Known for its scenic views, the Pennsylvania stretch of U.S. Route 6 winds through the northern part of the state, including the Pocono Mountains. During winter, this route can become treacherous due to snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.

5 James Dalton Highway (Alaska Route 11)Spanning approximately 414 miles from north of Fairbanks to Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean, the Dalton Highway is notorious for its isolation, steep grades, and severe weather conditions. In winter, the combination of ice, snow, and limited services makes it extremely treacherous. This highway has been featured on television shows like "Ice Road Truckers" and the BBC's "World's Most Dangerous Roads," highlighting its perilous nature.

What they're saying

"Winter driving presents unique challenges, from sudden ice patches to blinding snowstorms, making certain roads far more treacherous than others," says Joe Gunther IV of Gunther VW Daytona.

"Our survey highlights the highways and routes that drivers fear most during the colder months, underscoring the importance of preparation and caution. Proper vehicle maintenance, reduced speeds, and emergency preparedness can make all the difference. Above all, if conditions are truly dangerous, sometimes the safest decision is to stay off the road entirely."

Winter Weather Driving TipsWhat you can do

Gunther VW Dayton also provided the following tips for staying safe while driving on icy roads in the winter.

Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly to maintain better control. Speed limits are based on ideal conditions—not icy roads.

Increase Following Distance: Keep at least 5–10 seconds of distance from the vehicle ahead. This allows extra reaction time in case of sudden stops.

Brake Gently & Early: Apply brakes slowly and smoothly to prevent skidding. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure to let the system work.

Accelerate Gradually: Avoid sudden acceleration, which can cause tires to spin. Start slowly when moving from a stop to maintain traction.

Steer Smoothly: Avoid sharp turns or jerky movements that can lead to skidding. If you start to skid, steer into the skid (in the direction you want to go).

Use Low Gears on Hills: When going downhill, shift into low gear to control your descent. Avoid using cruise control, as it can cause your tires to spin unexpectedly.

Check Your Tires: Ensure tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread for grip. Consider using winter tires or chains in extreme conditions.

Clear Snow & Ice from Your Car: Remove all snow/ice from windows, mirrors, and lights for visibility. Clear snow from the roof to prevent it from sliding onto your windshield.

Watch for Black Ice: Be extra cautious on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, where black ice forms first. If the road looks wet but isn’t spraying water, it might be ice.

Keep an Emergency Kit: Carry essentials like a blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, shovel, sand/salt, water, and non-perishable snacks. A charged phone and extra battery pack are crucial in case of emergencies.

Stay Home if Conditions Are Dangerous: If driving isn’t necessary, avoid the risk and wait for conditions to improve.

The Source

The information in this article was provided by Gunther VW Dayton, who conducted an online panel survey of 3,000 drivers based on age, gender, and geography.

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