New Mexico’s US Route 285 Ranked the Most Feared Road Trip in America (#2 through #5 listed in comments and at the link)

Z-News Service ^ | July 5, 2023 | Connie James

[CedarDave]

The quintessential American summer road trip is an epic journey that unites families and friends. It’s an adventure that lets you meander through the tapestry of America’s landscapes, steeped in captivating scenery, quaint towns, and timeless charm. However, behind the enticing postcard-perfect panoramas, a summer trip can quickly become dangerous if you breakdown in a remote area with extreme summer temperatures…

Gunther Mitsubishi commissioned QuestionPro to run a survey of 3,000 regular roadtrippers, and asked them to rank which routes (in each state) across America they fear breaking down on the most.

#1st Most Feared: US Route 285 in New Mexico
The most feared route among American roadtrippers is along US Route 285 in New Mexico. This stretch of road traverses vast areas with limited access to services and amenities. Its remoteness means that breakdowns could leave travelers stranded for extended periods before help arrives. The route often passes through arid desert regions, where extreme temperatures can take a toll on both vehicles and individuals. Moreover, the highway stretches across long distances between towns and gas stations, increasing the risk of running out of fuel or encountering mechanical issues without immediate assistance.

The stretch between Vaughn and Roswell can be desolate, with long distances between towns and limited services available.

[CedarDave]

#2nd Most Feared: California’s Death Valley Road (SR-190)
#3rd Most Feared: Texas’ US Route 90
#4th Most Feared: Saddle Road (Hawaii Route 200)
#5th Most Feared: Nevada’s US Route 50

And, yes, I have broken down with a blown radiator on 285 north of Roswell.

[CedarDave]

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[desertsolitaire]

I wonder if limited services also means no cell phone service connections?

[ConservativeMind]

I have travelled three of those.

Yes, they start to creep you out—especially when losing cell coverage.

[Jane Long]

Just take I25.

[rktman]

😂. There are several places in NV where you want have cell service for more than hour. And see maybe 2 or 3 cars in the same time frame. We like it. 😁👍🌵

[texas booster]

#3rd Most Feared: Texas’ US Route 90

Well, I have driven almost the entire Route 90m from Jacksonville FL to Del Rio and beyond.

The most dangerous stretch was in New Orleans and in south Houston, but for reasons not related to the road.

[desertsolitaire]

For those more faint-hearted, is there the automobile dry-land equivalent of the EPIRB that can start help towards you in a hurry even with no cell service?

[desertsolitaire]

For those more faint-hearted, is there the automobile dry-land equivalent of the EPIRB that can start help towards you in a hurry even with no cell service?

[Tijeras_Slim]

Hell, I live near Albuquerque and there are more places without coverage than with.

[Wuli]

The longest most lonely section of U,S. 295 in New Mexico seems to from Vaugn south to Roswell. North of Vaugn and south of Roswell are more connecting highways and towns.

[ansel12]

Before immigration kicked in and cars improved about overheating and batteries, and with better tires, lots of travel was somewhat challenging.

Interstate 10 was sparse in the 60s with those small-town gas stations closing at night, there were water barrels on inclines to refill all the overheated radiators on passenger cars.

Females traveling cross country without a man was very rare, with all the breakdowns, flats, long stretches, gas cans, water pouches for drinking water hanging from the hood ornament to cool, brakes overheating, vapor lock, having to spend a night in a gas station parking lot waiting for it to open in the morning so that you could fill up to continue, pay phones and towns few and far between, no air conditioning and the open car windows air frying you,

[Political Junkie Too]

The most feared route among American roadtrippers is along US Route 285 in New Mexico.

The only time I drove this route was in the summer of 1985 in my 1983 Toyota Celica GT hatch-back 5-speed manual.

Route 285 is the only road to visit Carlsbad Caverns.

I had no problems and I didn't know it was the "most feared" road. I was more concerned about driving through the Mojave Desert on I-40.

-PJ

[1Old Pro]

The longest most lonely section of U,S. 295 in New Mexico seems to from Vaugn south to Roswell.

No wonder the martians like to surreptitiously train there.

[Bounced2X]

Yep. Breakdowns, no services, no cell coverage can be ruff...;O)

[rellic]

#4th Most Feared: Saddle Road (Hawaii Route 200)

I drove that road when it was BAD! for 9 years or so.
They have rebuilt it and is now as good as most interstates.
so this is kind of undeserved.
Yes it is desolate and no services.
But that is common on many Big island roads.

[ConservativeWarrior]

no air conditioning and the open car windows air frying you...

---

Good list. But don’t forget running the heat full hot with the windows down to help cool the engine. That was always fun.

[ansel12]

Things boomers know.

For the younger members, those bags hanging from the car are for your drinking water, the canvas bags allowed evaporation which cooled the water some.

[FoxInSocks]

Newer cell phones can access satellites to summon help — if you subscribe for that service.

[Seruzawa]

I don’t fear desert roads because of two things;
1- We do our desert travel trips in the spring or fall.
2- We use a Toyota.