Wyoming’s Most Dangerous Traffic Locations

Wyoming’s sweeping open roads, high mountain passes, and seasonal weather conditions create unique driving challenges. While the state sees fewer crashes overall compared to more urban regions, when collisions do occur, they’re often serious or even fatal. Based on crash data, traffic patterns, and local risk factors, we’ll review Wyoming’s five deadliest intersections and five most hazardous road stretches.

Knowing where the danger zones are can help you arrive safely when traveling through Cheyenne’s busy junctions, cruising across high-altitude interstates, or navigating mountain corridors near Jackson.

Top 5 Deadliest Intersections in Wyoming

Wyoming may have wide-open highways and scenic routes, but many intersections have proven surprisingly dangerous. Whether due to weather, traffic volume, or poor road design, certain junctions have seen repeated collisions and fatalities. Below, we explore the top 10 deadliest intersections across the state based on recent crash data.

1. I‑25 & I‑80 Interchange, Cheyenne

This major crossroads in Cheyenne is a hub for freight and long-haul traffic. The mix of commuter vehicles and trucks, tight exit ramps, and winter conditions often leads to congestion and sudden stops. With over a hundred crashes and five fatalities between 2017 and 2022, this interchange is one of the most hazardous in the state. Drivers unfamiliar with the ramps or distracted by navigation systems frequently make abrupt lane changes, contributing to rear-end and side-impact collisions.

2. Yellowstone Road & Dell Range Boulevard, Cheyenne

This intersection, a busy retail and residential area, sees heavy traffic from shopping centers and schools. Multiple traffic signals, frequent left turns, and pedestrian crossings create frequent conflict points. Over five years, more than 85 crashes and four fatalities have occurred here. Rush hour backups and occasional icy conditions in winter only add to the chaos, making it challenging for drivers to time lights and turns safely.

3. US‑89 & WY‑22 (Teton Pass Junction), Jackson

This intersection endures heavy seasonal traffic as the gateway to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. Tourists unfamiliar with mountain roads add to the mix of local motorists. Over 80 collisions and four fatalities occurred here in five years. High-angle turn lanes, steep grades, quick-changing weather, fog, rain, and snow make it easy to misjudge speeds and braking distances.

4. I‑80 & WY‑130 Interchange, Laramie

Icy ramps, crosswinds, and high-speed merges make this rural interstate exit dangerous. Between 2017 and 2022, around 75 collisions and three fatalities were recorded. Drivers often approach at highway speeds and struggle to decelerate safely onto a short ramp. Limited lighting at night increases the risk of lane departure and rear-end crashes.

5. US‑26 & WY‑789 Intersection, Riverton

Local and through drivers converge at this regional crossroads under a mix of traffic volumes and lighting conditions. Approximately 70 crashes and three fatalities occurred here over five years. Visibility is limited at night, and unexpected left turns from local arteries often disrupt traffic flow. Pedestrians crossing to reach local businesses create additional hazards.

Top 5 Deadliest Road Stretches in Wyoming

Beyond intersections, Wyoming’s vast highway network presents its risks, particularly during winter months or along remote two-lane corridors. The following road segments are notorious for high crash volumes, severe weather impacts, wildlife crossings, and limited driver visibility. Here are the top five deadliest stretches of road in Wyoming.

1. I‑80: Cheyenne to Evanston

As Wyoming’s busiest interstate, I‑80 stretches across vast, remote terrain, connecting Wyoming to both the east and west coasts. Drivers face winter blizzards, whiteout conditions, sudden high winds, and temperature extremes. High-speed collisions and rollover crashes, especially involving semi-trucks, are common. A single snow line can reduce visibility to near zero, multiplying the risk of pileups, and rural isolation delays emergency response.

2. I‑25: Cheyenne to Casper

Running north-south through Wyoming, this route traverses open plains and rolling hills. Fatigue is constant as drivers cross long distances between gas stations or rest areas. Crosswinds near Casper and Laramie create rollovers and lane drift incidents. Icy patches in winter contribute to chain-reaction crashes on descending grades.

3. US‑20: Worland to Greybull

This stretch is a rural two-lane road through high desert terrain, which sees frequent wildlife encounters and driver fatigue. With limited shoulders and few passing zones, frustrated drivers risk unsafe passing attempts. Crashes here involve vehicles running off-road or colliding with wildlife, especially moose or deer, often at night.

4. US‑89: Jackson to Alpine

Windy mountain roads, steep curves, and fast traffic to Yellowstone’s south entrance magnify risk. Snow and ice are common in winter, and summer sees tourist congestion and unpredictable wildlife crossings (elk, moose). Fatal head-on and off-road crashes occur when drivers misjudge curves or overtake too aggressively.

5. I‑90 Corridor (east-west passes)

While not previously listed, I‑90 in Wyoming includes stretches through Sheridan and Gillette. Winter storms, mine-related truck traffic, and a lack of services over long miles create high crash risk. Whiteout conditions and slick roads contribute to multi-vehicle pileups, especially near elevations west of Sheridan.

Safety Tips for Wyoming Drivers

Driving in Wyoming demands attention to roads, weather, and wildlife. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Check the weather before heading out. Mountain territory, passes, and plains can have drastically different conditions.
• Avoid driving at night in rural areas where deer, elk, and moose roam.
• Slow down at passes and curves, especially on roads like US‑89 and I‑25. Temperature shifts can create black ice.
• Give trucks extra room, big rigs take longer to stop, and high crosswinds can push them unexpectedly.
• Plan breaks on long stretches of I‑80 or US‑20 to avoid fatigue drift.
• Use pullouts to let traffic pass when traveling slower or encountering slow vehicles.
• Signaling early before turns helps drivers behind you prepare, especially at intersections like Dell Range and Yellowstone.
• Keep headlights on during poor visibility or dusk; dust storms or fog can reduce safety even without precipitation.

What to Do After a Wyoming Crash

Being involved in a car crash can be stressful and disorienting, especially on Wyoming’s high-speed rural highways or icy mountain passes. Knowing the proper steps to take immediately after an accident can protect your safety, preserve evidence, and help if you later need to file an insurance claim or connect with a local attorney.

1. Ensure Your Safety and Call 911 Immediately
   Check yourself and passengers for injuries first. Wyoming law requires drivers to report crashes involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Emergency responders can secure the scene, provide medical care, and create an official accident report, which may be crucial in rural areas where traffic cameras and witnesses are scarce.
2. Move to a Safe Location if Possible
   Move your vehicle off the roadway to avoid further accidents if it is drivable. On rural stretches like I-80 or US-89, leaving a disabled car in the travel lane can be extremely dangerous due to high-speed traffic and limited visibility. Turn on your hazard lights and use cones or flares to alert other drivers.
3. Exchange Information with All Involved Parties
   Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Also note the make, model, and color of each vehicle. Recording the other driver’s details promptly reduces the risk of disputes and strengthens your claim if injuries or property damage are significant.
4. Document the Scene Thoroughly
   Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, signage, weather, and visible injuries. If you’re on scenic or rural routes, also capture the surrounding environment, hills, curves, or wildlife signs that may have contributed to the crash. Short video clips can give a clearer picture of sight lines or road conditions.
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider
   Wyoming uses a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. Report the crash promptly, provide accurate details, and avoid admitting fault at the scene, even if the accident seems minor. Keeping a detailed account ensures your insurance provider can process your claim efficiently.
6. Seek Medical Attention Even if Injuries Seem Minor
   Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show immediate symptoms. Prompt evaluation helps protect your health and provides documentation for potential insurance or legal claims.
7. Consider Contacting a Local Attorney
   LocalAccidentReports.com can connect you with experienced Wyoming car accident lawyers. They can help navigate insurance claims, liability questions, and compensation for injuries, mainly if the crash occurred on high-risk roads like I-25 near Cheyenne or US-89 near Jackson.
8. Preserve Evidence and Witnesses
   If there are witnesses, collect their contact information. Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and receipts for related expenses. In Wyoming’s rural areas, eyewitness testimony may be crucial if there are few cameras or traffic sensors.

Connect with Help After a Wyoming Crash

At Local Accident Reports, we’re dedicated to sharing real-time collision reports across Wyoming’s road network and supporting those affected. While we aren’t a law firm, we work with a team of experienced local attorneys who can help you understand your rights and pursue your case.

If you’ve been injured in a crash on I‑80, I‑25, US‑89, or near a busy intersection in Cheyenne, we can connect you with trusted legal professionals. They can assist with insurance claims, medical coverage, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

The service is free and private; you only pay legal fees if you win your case. Need legal support after a Wyoming crash? Complete our short form today for a free case referral to a local attorney. We’re here to help you rebuild safely and firmly.