We all probably have our own definition of terrifying, especially when it comes to driving. A near-miss can certainly get our hearts pounding, and hitting a patch of black ice? That can be downright terrifying. But just the thought of driving down some roads can get our adrenaline rushing. A drive along Route 63, considered the most dangerous road in Missouri, usually requires us to be a bit more vigilant.

Highway 63 in Missouri runs through the entire state from south to north, traveling from the Arkansas state line to the Iowa state line, and it’s considered the most dangerous road in the state.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
If you were to drive the full length of US 63 in Missouri, you’d travel nearly 338 miles through such cities and towns as West Plains, Willow Springs, Rolla, Jefferson City, and Columbia.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
One of the contributing factors to both injuries and deaths, on what’s often cited as the state's most dangerous road, is side road traffic attempting to merge onto US 63 Missouri.
Flickr/Doug Kerr

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Drivers from side roads attempt to merge onto the highway from a stopped position in driveways and intersections as traffic is passing by at a high rate of speed. It’s common for one vehicle to T-bone another.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Curves and sharp turns also contribute to the danger of this two-lane highway, but expanding it to a four-lane divided highway could cost upwards of $300 million, a hefty price tag.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Precautions like adding J-turns in some sections of the highway, however, have been taken. Learn more on the Missouri Department of Transportation website.
A 2019 study by GeoTab, in fact, found that from 2009 to 2019, there were 158 crashes on Route 63, resulting in 179 fatalities. That’s an average of 17 deaths a year.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
To get a little more perspective, in Boone and Cole Counties alone, more than 50 people were injured in crashes along Route 63 in 2022.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Exploring Hwy 63 in Missouri? Don't forget your GPS.

Have you driven along Highway 63 in Missouri? What did you think? Is it one of the most terrifying drives you can take in Missouri? Do you agree it’s one of the most dangerous roads in Missouri? Share your experience in the comments! For a little more relaxing drive, follow these beautiful back roads in Missouri that are perfect for a scenic drive.

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Living In Missouri

Beth Price-Williams | July 10, 2024

Are there any dangers of living in Missouri?

No matter where we live, we’re going to deal with some dangers. Our best bet is to be as prepared as we can and just enjoy life. Here are a few of the dangers of living in Missouri of which we should all be aware:

  • Winter brings with it awe-inspiring beauty and, with the bitter temperatures, ice storms, which can lead to power outages, traffic accidents, and falling trees.
  • More than 10,000 Missourians die from smoking-related diseases each year. Missouri’s in the top 10, coming in at nine, for the most smokers in the United States.
  • Tornados are common in Missouri. One of the worst in recent memory tore through Joplin in May 2011, resulting in more than 155 deaths.
  • Missourians are used to flooding and, in particular, flash floods.

Are there any dangerous animals in Missouri?

Yep, we’ve got some dangerous animals, too. Here are the most dangerous animals in Missouri:

  • Beware of black widow spiders and, if you get bit by one, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Black bears are becoming increasingly common in neighborhoods. If you cross paths with a black bear, remain calm, lift your arms, and slowly move backward. Do not turn your back on a black bear.
  • Coyotes often roam at night, and they’re particularly dangerous to small animals, including dogs.

Why should I never move to Missouri?

There are a TON of reasons you – and I – and everyone should never ever move to Missouri. Never, ever. Of course, they’re all tongue-in-cheek (we love it here!).

  • We have nothing to eat but BBQ….what?!? Oh well, Missouri’s home to some of the best BBQ in the country, so we’re all good.
  • There’s no place to cool off on those hot summer days. (Hello…floating? Johnson’s Shut-ins?)
  • We’re too far from the ocean. (Let’s just forget all of those gorgeous lakes and rivers.)
  • There’s nothing to do. At all. Okay, now you know it’s all tongue-in-cheek. There’s so much to do we could spend a lifetime and not experience it all.

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Featured Addresses
U.S. 63, US-63, Rolla, MO, USA