Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | January 29, 2026 | Personal Injury
West Virginia has many dangerous roads. However, the factors that make them dangerous can vary significantly. Some are dangerous because of the traffic volume that brings motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists together. Others experience environmental conditions, like poor weather, that can reduce visibility and make surfaces slick.
I-64 is often listed as one of the most dangerous highways in West Virginia. An analysis determined that a five-mile stretch of I-64 in Beckley was the fifth-deadliest road segment in the state. Moreover, a survey of drivers found that I-64 is one of the most feared highways for winter driving in the entire nation.
What Makes I-64 So Dangerous?
To understand why I-64 is so dangerous, it helps to know how car, truck, and other motor vehicle accidents happen: most aren’t caused solely by weather or road conditions, but by risky driving behaviors made worse by the conditions drivers face.
Traffic congestion alone doesn’t cause wrecks, but in heavy traffic, behaviors like tailgating, speeding, and unsafe lane changes can turn everyday mistakes into collisions—especially on I-64, where certain conditions increase the risk, including:
Traffic Volume
I-64 is a major route between the Midwest and the East Coast. Specifically, this highway connects St. Louis, Missouri, and Chesapeake, Virginia. On its route, it passes through or near major metropolitan areas, such as Louisville, Lexington, Charleston, and Richmond.
As it passes through Charleston, I-64 is used by commuters and is subject to congestion. However, it also carries truck traffic carrying goods across the country. Heavy trucks pose a risk to drivers because they require longer braking distances than smaller vehicles. As a result, truck drivers are often unable to avoid crashes when vehicles around them maneuver carelessly.
In addition to the risks posed by automobiles to trucks, trucks can pose risks to automobiles. Truck drivers work long hours and must sometimes drive while fatigued. Truck and trailer equipment, including brakes and cargo tie-downs, can fail and cause a truck accident. Traffic violations by truck drivers can result in serious collisions, particularly in adverse conditions.
Mountainous Terrain
I-64 runs through the Appalachian Mountains east of Beckley. These mountains can pose challenges to drivers. Drivers can cause crashes when overtaking slower vehicles. They can mishandle their vehicles when traveling at high speeds on steep hills and winding roads. As a result, they can drift out of their lanes or even run off the road.
Weather Conditions
The weather on I-64 can be foggy, wet, windy, and even snowy. These adverse weather conditions can increase the risk that the driver will be unable to control their vehicle. Drivers may experience reduced traction on slippery roads or reduced visibility of the path and other vehicles ahead. If drivers do not slow down or pull over until the conditions improve, they may crash.
Worse yet, poor weather requires drivers to be attentive. Distracted drivers could collide with vehicles without even noticing them.
The Dangers Posed By I-64
I-64 is risky for local drivers and visitors. Its terrain, traffic volume, and weather can amplify risky driving behaviors, leaving them vulnerable to crashing or being hit by other vehicles.
Contact Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers For A Free Consultation With A Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer
Were you injured in an accident on I-64? Contact Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Charleston personal injury lawyer.
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990
