Watch Out! These are the 5 of the Most Dangerous Roads in The South

Tennessee has some of the most scenic countrysides in the United States. With several major mountain ranges, including the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Appalachians, drivers in Tennessee don't have to go far to see stunning vistas, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Unfortunately, along with these scenic drives, Tennessee also is home to some of the most dangerous roads in the South. Tennessee road conditions can vary widely. From unpredictable and sudden weather changes to long, winding roads through the mountains and valleys with no exits, careful driving is the rule of the day!

Here are the five most dangerous roads in the state.

Highway 129 “Tail of the Dragon”

You probably haven't heard of the “Tail of the Dragon” but it's one of the most dangerous roads in the country! Highway 129 runs from Tennessee to North Carolina, but the “Dragon's Tail,” is an 11-mile stretch with 318 turns. This twisty ride beckons drivers and motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world. What makes it so dangerous is the fact that once you enter the tail, you can't get off until the end. The views are beautiful but proceed cautiously.

Interstate 24

While I-24 runs through the center of the state rather than the state's mountainous eastern boundary, it's certainly dangerous. I-24's Monteagle Mountain stretch is famous for the challenges it poses to truckers. Truckers must negotiate a steep climb up the mountain's face, then descend at a dangerous angle while encountering twists, turns, and blind spots. The sight of the initial climb makes even experienced truckers take pause.

Chapman Highway

By the numbers, this is the deadliest highway in eastern Tennessee. It's a four-lane road with two lanes traveling in each direction and no barrier. While it appears to be nothing more than a quaint country road, it's notorious for causing crossovers where cars wildly drift into the incoming lanes because of the twists and turns, along with steep rises and descents. The best way to stay safe? Keep right and go slow!

Highway 33 “Maynardville Highway’’

Many drivers have had fatal crashes on Highway 33 due to the heavy traffic. Like the other highways on this list that run through eastern Tennessee, the alternating steep inclines and rapid declines, along with the heavy traffic, make it particularly dangerous.

Interstate 40

Interstate 40 has the distinction of being the second most dangerous stretch of road in the country. Tennessee hosts the longest stretch of I-40 with more than 450 miles running from Memphis in the west to Bristol in the east. Heavy traffic, reckless driving, poor road conditions, and weather make I-40 a dangerous ride.

Safe driving starts with a safe car, like the kind you can buy from local dealers like Homer Skelton Ford of Millington. They'll help you find the perfect car for your next scenic drive and even how to apply for a car loan.