The 10 most dangerous roads in Minnesota: US-169 atop list
News | Published on January 20, 2026 at 1:35pm EST | Author: frazeevergas
0US Highway 10 is ranked fifth most dangerous road
A new analysis of 129,825 fatal crashes shows that state highways—not interstates—see the most deadly accidents, accounting for 42 percent of all fatal crashes nationwide.
Over five years, Minnesota has recorded 1941 crashes with US-169 leading the way with 61.
Where fatal crashes happen in Minnesota:
• State highways: 44 percent
• U.S. highways: 24 percent
• Interstates: 15 percent
• Local streets: 16 percent
The study by iSelect examined 129,825 fatal crashes across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., breaking them down by road type: interstates, U.S. highways, state highways, and local streets. The findings show that 42 percent of fatal crashes nationwide occur on state highways, compared with 23 percent on U.S. highways, 18 percent on interstates, and 17 percent on local streets.
“Road safety isn’t defined by weather or road conditions alone; it ultimately depends on the behaviour of drivers and staying alert to your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards, whether that’s pedestrians, other vehicles, poor visibility or changing road surfaces, is essential,” said Adrian Bennet, General manager at iSelect. “Following speed limits, taking regular breaks on long journeys, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles can make all the difference in preventing collisions, no matter whether you’re driving in the USA, Australia or the UK. Of course, many risks on the road are unpredictable and beyond a driver’s control. Comprehensive car insurance provides essential protection in the event of a collision, which is especially important for those traveling in higher-risk areas.”
Where fatal crashes happen nationwide:
• State highways: 42 percent
• U.S. highways: 23 percent
• Interstates: 18 percent
• Local streets: 17 percent
State highways often combine higher speed limits with frequent intersections, mixed traffic, and limited separation between vehicles, creating a particularly high-risk environment.
Several states show an especially high proportion of fatal crashes occurring on state highways:
• Hawaii 87 percent
• Alaska 76 percent
• Pennsylvania 65 percent
• New Hampshire 60 percent
• South Carolina 60 percent
In contrast, some states see a much larger share of fatal crashes on interstates, reflecting long-distance travel, higher speeds, and rural highway exposure:
• Wyoming 35 percent
• Massachusetts 31 percent
• California 29 percent
• New Mexico 27 percent
• Idaho 24 percent
Local streets account for nearly half of fatal crashes in some urban-heavy areas:
• District of Columbia 84 percent
• Arizona 47 percent
• Kansas 30 percent
• Indiana 28 percent
• Michigan 27 percent
The U.S. has the highest average national crash risk score among the countries examined. The riskiest roads are concentrated in Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, Wyoming, and Louisiana.