As Atlanta gears up for Halloween festivities with trick-or-treating, costume parties, and neighborhood haunts, local drivers face a stark reminder: A major east-west Atlanta traffic corridor is among the most dangerous roads in America this spooky season.
According to Allstate’s latest Drivewise data, the Arthur Langford Parkway exit onto Lakewood Avenue in southwest Atlanta ranks as the second-riskiest road for collisions nationwide, putting Peach State commuters at heightened risk amid the holiday’s chaos.
The report, which analyzes collision data from Allstate claims and other sources, ranks roads based on the frequency of crashes per mile driven.
Atlanta Street Among U.S. Riskiest Roads
For I-20 in Atlanta, that grim figure stands at approximately 600 collisions per mile annually—a statistic that underscores the perils of heavy traffic, construction zones, and urban congestion on this vital East-West corridor through the city.
While Florida and Texas dominate the top spots with notoriously busy interstates, Atlanta’s inclusion highlights a national trend of urban highways turning treacherous during peak holiday periods.The full top 10 list of America’s riskiest roads for Halloween driving includes:
| Rank | City | Road | Riskiest Time | ✅ Safest Time |
| 1 | San Diego | I-8E(Exit 7 to I-15N) | Sun–Thu, 7–11 p.m. | Mon–Fri, 6–9 a.m. |
| 2 | Atlanta | SR-166E(Exit to Lakewood Ave) | Sat–Sun, 5–11 a.m. | Mon–Fri, 3–7 p.m.Sun–Thu, 7–11 p.m. |
| 3 | Oklahoma City | SH-3S(Exit to I-44E) | Sat–Sun, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Mon–Thu, 11 p.m.–4 a.m.Fri, 12–4 a.m.Sun, 11 p.m.–12 a.m. |
| 4 | Memphis | I-240E(Exit 12A to Summer Ave) | Mon–Fri, 6–9 a.m.Sat–Sun, 5–11 a.m. | Sun–Thu, 7–11 p.m. |
| 5 | Pittsburgh | I-376W(Exit 74 to Beechwood Blvd) | Mon–Thu, 11 p.m.–4 a.m.Fri, 12–4 a.m.Sun, 11 p.m.–12 a.m. | Sun–Thu, 7–11 p.m. |
| 6 | Phoenix | I-17N(Exit 223B to SR-74W) | Sat–Sun, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Mon–Fri, 3–7 p.m. |
| 7 | Baltimore | I-95N(Exit 59 to MD-150) | Sat–Sun, 5–7 p.m. | Mon–Thu, 11 p.m.–4 a.m.Fri, 12–4 a.m.Sun, 11 p.m.–12 a.m. |
| 8 | Las Vegas | I-11N/US-95N(Exit 82A to Lake Mead Blvd E) | Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–9 p.m.Sat–Sun, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| 9 | Detroit | I-94E(Exit 219 to Gratiot Ave) | Sun–Thu, 7–11 p.m.Sat–Sun, 5–7 p.m. | Mon–Fri, 3–7 p.m. |
| 10 | San Antonio | I-10E(Exit 578 to Pecan Valley Dr) | Sat–Sun, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Fri–Sat, 7–11 p.m. |
These roadways, often plagued by high volumes of vehicles and pedestrian activity, see a spike in accidents around October 31, when costumed kids dart across streets and partygoers hit the roads late into the night.
Allstate’s analysis emphasizes that urban routes like I-20 bear the brunt, with thousands of crashes collectively reported each year.”Halloween is a time for fun and celebration, but it also brings increased risks on the road due to more pedestrians, parties, and traffic,” said Meera Joshi, President of Allstate Protection.
“Our report highlights these danger zones to help drivers stay safe.” An Allstate safety expert echoed the sentiment, adding, “By knowing the riskiest roads, drivers can plan routes accordingly and adopt defensive driving habits to avoid accidents during this spooky season.”
For Atlanta motorists navigating I-20 or other busy arteries like I-75 and I-85 this Halloween, Allstate offers these timely safety tips tailored to keep everyone from ghouls and goblins alike:
- Slow down and scan for pedestrians, especially children in dark costumes crossing unexpectedly.
- Ditch distractions—put the phone away and ensure seatbelts are fastened for all passengers.
- Map out alternate routes via apps to sidestep high-risk stretches like I-20’s downtown corridor.
- Never drive impaired; designate a sober driver or use rideshares after those haunted house bashes.
- Flip on headlights early and use high beams wisely amid foggy nights or festive decorations blocking views.
- Keep extra space between vehicles, ready for abrupt stops in packed suburbs like Midtown or Buckhead.
With Atlanta’s vibrant Halloween scene—from the Fox Theatre’s ghostly galas to family-friendly frights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden—staying vigilant could mean the difference between a sweet night out and a sour trip to the ER.
Final Word
As the city lights up with yet another special event this weekend, remember: Safe driving is the real treat. For more tips on navigating safely around the city, read our Atlanta Traffic Guide.
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