Breaking down on the road can be a nerve-wracking experience, but in some places, it can be downright dangerous. From high-crime urban areas to remote rural stretches where help is far away, these locations pose significant risks. Have you ever considered how vulnerable you might be if your car fails in one of these spots? Here are the 18 most dangerous places to break down in America.
1. Detroit, Michigan
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Detroit is notorious for its high crime rates, making it a risky place to be stranded. According to recent data, the city had over 2,200 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. If you break down here, avoid leaving your vehicle and call for help immediately.
2. South Side, Chicago, Illinois
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Chicago’s South Side is known for its crime issues, with over 700 homicides reported in the city last year. The area is notorious for gang activity and violent crime. Breaking down in this part of Chicago can be extremely dangerous, so stay inside your car and contact emergency services.
3. Compton, California
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Compton has a reputation for gang violence and high crime rates. With 1,242 violent crimes reported per 100,000 residents recently, breaking down in Compton can be hazardous. Ensure your phone is charged and avoid walking to seek help.
4. St. Louis, Missouri
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St. Louis consistently ranks high for violent crime, with a rate of 1,927 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Certain neighborhoods are especially dangerous. Breaking down here, especially at night, can be perilous. Stay in your vehicle and call for assistance.
5. Interstate 10, Arizona
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Interstate 10 in Arizona is notorious for extreme heat, which can be fatal if you’re stranded. In June 2024, a woman tragically died from heat exposure after her car broke down. Always carry extra water and avoid this route during the hottest parts of the day.
6. Interstate 70, Colorado
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Interstate 70 can be treacherous, especially in winter. Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures can leave you stranded in dangerous conditions. Always check weather forecasts and carry emergency supplies if traveling this route in winter.
7. Newark, New Jersey
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Newark’s crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 1,200 per 100,000 residents recently. Breaking down here poses risks of theft and assault. Stay inside your vehicle and lock your doors while waiting for help.
8. Memphis, Tennessee
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Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
Memphis has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, with 1,943 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. The risk of carjacking or assault is real if you break down here. Keep your phone charged and avoid exiting your vehicle.
9. Baltimore, Maryland
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Baltimore’s violent crime rate was 1,859 per 100,000 residents recently. Certain areas of the city are particularly unsafe, especially after dark. If you break down, stay in your car with the doors locked and call for roadside assistance.
10. Interstate 95, Florida
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Interstate 95 is notorious for its high number of hit-and-run incidents. Florida had the highest number of hit-and-runs in the nation recently. If you break down on this busy highway, use caution and stay as far from traffic as possible while waiting for help.
11. Oakland, California
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Oakland has struggled with crime, reporting 1,274 violent crimes per 100,000 residents recently. Breaking down here, especially in the wrong neighborhood, can be risky. Keep your doors locked and avoid attracting attention while you wait for assistance.
12. Houston, Texas
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Houston has high crime rates, with 1,072 violent crimes per 100,000 residents recently. The sprawling city can be dangerous if you’re stranded in an unfamiliar area. Stay in your car and use your phone to call for help.
13. Washington, D.C.
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Certain areas of Washington, D.C., are known for high crime rates, with 1,049 violent crimes per 100,000 residents recently. Breaking down in these neighborhoods can put you at risk of theft or assault. Remain inside your vehicle and contact emergency services.
14. Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Albuquerque has a high rate of vehicle thefts and violent crimes, with 1,352 violent crimes per 100,000 residents recently. Breaking down here can be dangerous, especially at night. Keep your doors locked and stay in your car while waiting for help.
15. Interstate 80, Wyoming
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Shutterstock / Kristi Blokhin
Interstate 80 can be a desolate and dangerous stretch, particularly in winter. Blizzards and sub-zero temperatures can leave you stranded in life-threatening conditions. Always carry a winter survival kit and check weather forecasts before traveling this route.
16. Atlanta, Georgia
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Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
Atlanta has a high crime rate, with 1,166 violent crimes per 100,000 residents recently. Certain neighborhoods are particularly unsafe, making a breakdown risky. Stay inside your car with the doors locked and call for roadside assistance.
17. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Philadelphia reported 1,133 violent crimes per 100,000 residents recently. Some areas are known for high crime rates, and breaking down here can be dangerous. Keep your doors locked and remain in your vehicle while waiting for help.
18. Las Vegas, Nevada
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Las Vegas, known for its bustling nightlife, also has a significant crime rate, with 996 violent crimes per 100,000 residents recently. Breaking down on the outskirts or in certain neighborhoods can be risky. Stay in your car and call for assistance.
Be Prepared for the Worst
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Breaking down is stressful enough without the added danger of being in a high-risk area. Make sure you’re prepared with a charged phone, emergency supplies, and knowledge of local conditions. Stay safe and always have a plan for when things go wrong on the road.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
