Thousands of truckers travel the extensive network of highways that span the United States every day. While many highways are well-kept and provide smooth, safe travel, there are a few notorious areas that truckers avoid. These are the routes that may transform a simple trip into a nightmare. We asked truckers from throughout the country which highways they thought were the worst, and here are their top ten picks, along with the tales and perspectives of the drivers who travel them.
I-95 in Miami, Florida; Driver Mike Johnson
Mike Johnson, a veteran truck driver, has seen it all. When asked about the worst section of the road, he referred to I-95 near Miami. "Traffic congestion is horrendous, especially during rush hours," he said. "Combine that with erratic drivers and unpredictable weather, and you have a recipe for disaster."
I-405 in Los Angeles, California; Driver Lisa Rodriguez
Lisa Rodriguez has been transporting goods along the West Coast for more than a decade. She names the notorious I-405 in Los Angeles as her least favorite. "It's a parking lot during peak hours," she complains. "The constant stop-and-go traffic burns fuel, time, and patience."
I-70 in Colorado's Rocky Mountains; Driver Jake Turner
Jake Turner has driven on I-70 through the breathtaking but perilous landscape of the Rocky Mountains. "The steep inclines, hairpin turns, and unpredictable weather make this highway a white-knuckle experience," he cautions. "You have to be prepared for anything."
I-285 in Atlanta, Georgia; Driver Sarah Lewis
Sarah Lewis is all too familiar with the difficulties of I-285 in Atlanta. "It's a never-ending loop of congestion," she said. "The sheer volume of traffic and aggressive drivers make it a stressful place to be."
I-80 in Wyoming; Driver Ben Anderson
I-80 in Wyoming is a bleak and harsh stretch for Ben Anderson. "The winters in here can be brutal," he says. "Blinding snowstorms and icy roads can turn a routine drive into a dangerous expedition."
I-5 in Seattle, Washington; Driver Emily Sanchez
I-5 in Seattle is a continuous source of frustration for Emily Sanchez. "The traffic is a nightmare all year," she laments. "Rain, fog, and constant construction make it an unpredictable challenge."
I-10 in New Orleans, Louisiana; Driver Tyrone Jackson
Tyrone Jackson, a native of Louisiana, dislikes I-10 in New Orleans. "The pavement is rough, and the frequent potholes can damage your rig," he says. "It's not an enjoyable ride."
I-84 in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge; Driver Maria Gomez
Maria Gomez drives I-84 through the scenic Columbia River Gorge. "It's stunning, but the winding roads and gusty winds can be nerve-wracking," she said. "You need to stay alert at all times."
I-76 in Pennsylvania; Driver John Smith
I-76 in Pennsylvania is a regular source of frustration for John Smith. "It's always under construction," he points out. "Delays are common, and the detours can be confusing."
I-29 in North Dakota; Driver Karen White
Karen White feels I-29 in North Dakota should be included on the list. "The extreme cold and icy conditions in winter are a constant challenge," she said. "You have to be well-prepared to tackle this highway."
Summing up
Truckers face their fair share of difficulties on the road, and these ten stretches of highway in America are among the most hated. From congested urban nightmares to perilous mountain climbs, these roads put even the most seasoned drivers to the test. While these roadways may not be everyone's least favorite, they do present particular problems to the truckers who use them daily.
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