The Most Dangerous Roads in Minnesota

Our team has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with clients during some of their hardest days. That’s exactly why we’re breaking down the most dangerous roads in Minnesota: because knowing where the biggest risks lie can help you steer clear of trouble.

We’re not here to scare you. We’re here to help you drive smarter, stay safer, and know who to turn to if things go wrong. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait; call us at (612) 339-9121 or contact us online.

A Closer Look at Minnesota’s Road Risks

Before getting into the most dangerous roads themselves, it’s important to step back and look at the bigger picture.

Looking at car accident data in Minnesota for 2024:

• There were 63,655 total traffic crashes reported across the state.
• These crashes tragically resulted in 468 fatalities.
• 17,207 of those crashes involved injuries, leaving 23,759 people hurt.

That averages out to about 174 crashes every day, with dozens of Minnesotans injured and at least one life lost nearly every 24 hours.

Understanding the Most Dangerous Roads In Minnesota

Certain highways and interstates in Minnesota consistently show higher rates of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Let’s explore some of these areas and understand why they pose a greater risk.

US Highway 169

US Highway 169 is frequently cited as one of the most dangerous roads in Minnesota. It passes through Elmore, Blue Earth, North Mankato, Saint Peter, Mankato, Bloomington, and Jackson Township. This highway, which stretches for nearly 200 miles, sees an average of seven people lose their lives in car accidents each year.

One of the biggest reasons for this highway’s danger is the sheer volume of traffic and the high congestion drivers encounter. Areas like Scott County, through which US 169 passes, have experienced rapid population growth, leading to more vehicles on a roadway that simply wasn’t designed for such heavy loads. 

Beyond traffic, US 169 is also vulnerable to Minnesota’s unpredictable weather. It has seen its fair share of blizzards, ice storms, and even mudslides, all of which can turn an already busy road into a much more dangerous path.

Thankfully, the state government was aware of these issues and took steps to improve safety through renovations between April 2022 and November 2024, including lane expansions and new interchanges, to help manage the traffic flow. 

US Highway 12

Despite being a shorter route, stretching only about 38 miles from Minneapolis to the South Dakota state line, US Highway 12 has earned a reputation as one of the deadliest roadways in Minnesota.

A 2016 safety audit highlighted just how dangerous this stretch is, reporting a crash rate of 3.00 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (MVM). This is almost double the state average of 1.57 for similar highways. 

A staggering 63% of fatal or incapacitating crashes on US 12 were head-on collisions, a terrifying statistic that speaks volumes about the road’s design. Experts point to its narrow, “white-knuckle” lanes, poorly lit sections, and hard-to-see intersections as major contributing factors. 

In response to these alarming figures, the “Highway 12 corridor safety improvement project” was initiated. This vital project includes the installation of median walls to prevent those devastating head-on collisions and the addition of roundabouts to make entering and exiting the highway much safer. 

US Highway 14

US Highway 14 spans over 1,300 miles and holds the distinction of being one of the nation’s oldest and most historic roadways.

However, it is another route with a concerning accident history. This highway is a major corridor, with over 300,000 people living or working near it, leading to significant traffic.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the intersection at Highway 14 and Olmsted County Road 3 experiences a fatal and injury crash rate over six times higher than the state average. 

Recognizing the dangers, state and local officials have taken steps to make Highway 14 safer for everyone who travels it. Between 2022 and 2023, a major $50 million construction project was launched to expand a 12.5-mile stretch of the highway to four lanes. 

Interstate 94 (I-94)

Interstate 94 stretches for nearly 260 miles across Minnesota. However, certain segments of I-94 are known for high crash rates, particularly the corridor around Hwy 252 in Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and north Minneapolis. This area consistently exceeds the statewide crash rate for freeways of its type.

Between 2016 and 2019, this specific segment of I-94 saw 914 reported crashes and 5 fatal incidents, averaging 229 crashes per year. 

Beyond daily congestion, I-94, like many of these roads included on this list, is affected by Minnesota’s harsh winters. 

US Highway 10

Once part of one of the country’s earliest coast-to-coast routes, it still serves as a major connector across central Minnesota, stretching from the Twin Cities toward the North Dakota border. 

Despite newer interstates taking on some of the traffic, Highway 10 remains heavily traveled, especially by commuters, commercial vehicles, and tourists heading to and from popular northern destinations.

In recent years, Highway 10 has consistently ranked among the most dangerous roads in the state. Snow, ice, and freezing rain frequently lead to slick conditions, poor visibility, and a spike in serious collisions.

To improve both safety and traffic flow, several upgrades are currently in progress along Highway 10 in Minnesota. These include transforming a 7-mile segment into a full freeway, expanding the roadway by adding a third lane in each direction through the Coon Rapids area, and installing Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCIs).

The I-35W Mississippi River Bridge: A Note on the Most Dangerous Bridge In Minnesota

While it has been rebuilt and is now a modern, safe structure, it’s impossible to discuss dangerous roadways in Minnesota without acknowledging the tragic collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge on August 1, 2007. This catastrophic event, which occurred during evening rush hour, resulted in 13 fatalities and 145 injuries.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later determined that the probable cause of the collapse was a design flaw. This disaster was a pivotal moment for infrastructure safety, not just in Minnesota but across the entire United States. It led to increased scrutiny of bridge inspections, maintenance protocols, and design standards nationwide. 

Chances are, you’ve driven on at least one of these highways, maybe even this week. They’re not some far-off danger; they’re the same roads we take to work, to visit family, to get our kids to school.

Whether you need help dealing with insurance, covering medical bills, or understanding your legal rights, our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to step in and fight for you. Call us today at (612) 339-9121 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Common Factors Contributing to Road Hazards

Several common factors contribute to road hazards across the state:

• Road Design and Infrastructure: Outdated road designs, narrow lanes, lack of adequate shoulders, poor visibility around curves or hills, and confusing intersections can inherently make a road more dangerous, regardless of driver behavior.
• Traffic Volume and Congestion: High traffic density, especially during peak hours, increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions, side-swipes during lane changes, and aggressive driving as drivers try to trudge through crowded conditions.
• Weather Conditions: Minnesota’s diverse and often severe weather plays a huge role. Snow, ice, heavy rain, and dense fog can drastically reduce visibility and vehicle traction, turning even normally safe roads in Minnesota hazardous.
• Driver Behavior: Unfortunately, human error is a leading cause of accidents. This includes speeding, distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, or anything that takes your attention away from the road), impaired driving (under the influence of alcohol or drugs), aggressive driving, and driver fatigue.

Staying Safe on Minnesota’s Roads

Knowing about the dangerous roads in Minnesota is the first step; the next is to equip yourself with practical strategies to stay safe, no matter where you’re driving.

• Drive Defensively: Always assume other drivers might make mistakes. Look ahead, wear your seat belt, anticipate potential hazards, and maintain a safe following distance. This gives you more time to react if something unexpected happens.
• Adjust for Weather: When it’s raining, snowing, or icy, slow down significantly. Increase your following distance even more. Be aware of “black ice,” which is nearly invisible but incredibly dangerous. Check weather forecasts before you leave, especially for longer trips, even if you only plan on going a short distance.
• Eliminate Distractions: Your phone, your passengers, your food, or your radio, anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road is a distraction. Always focus 100% on the task of driving.
• Obey Speed Limits: Speed limits are there for a reason. Speeding is one of the leading causes of collisions in Minnesota. Adhering to them drastically reduces your risk of an accident and the severity of injuries if a crash does occur.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: A well-maintained vehicle is a safer vehicle. Regularly check your tires (pressure and tread), brakes, lights, and fluid levels. Don’t put off necessary repairs.
• Be Patient and Courteous: Road rage and aggressive driving never lead to good outcomes. Stay calm, be patient with other drivers, and avoid aggressive maneuvers like tailgating or excessive lane weaving.

Meshbesher & Spence: Support When You Need It 

These highways are part of everyday life for many of us, whether it’s your daily commute, a weekend trip, or just running errands. When we understand where the risks are, we’re better equipped to make safer choices behind the wheel. 

Still, no matter how careful you are, accidents happen. And when they do, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. At Meshbesher & Spence, we’ve been standing up for Minnesotans injured in car crashes since 1961. We know the roads. We know the law. And most importantly, we know how to help. 

If you or someone you care about has been involved in an accident, don’t wait to get the support you need. Call us today at (612) 339-9121 or contact us online for a free, no-pressure consultation.

Proudly Representing Minnesota Residents

Related Resources

If you found this dangerous roads in Minnesota content helpful, please view the related topics below:  – Minnesota Auto Accident Lawyer – Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Attorney – Minnesota Car Seat Law: Everything You Need to Know Contact us if you have specific questions on the matter or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation.