Dangerous and Deadly Roads in New Mexico
August 13, 2025
Are New Mexico’s Roads Deadly?
Several Interstates run through New Mexico, including Interstates 25, 40, and 10. In addition, New Mexico is home to “412 state roads, totaling 7,405.762 miles.” While some of these roads can be considered deadly, some are deadlier than others.
On these roads, many people have lost their lives due to large truck accidents, car wrecks, and pedestrian accidents. As of 2023, New Mexico ranks third in number of deaths in vehicle accidents per 100,000 people, with an average of 20.7 deaths within that number.
There are several factors that can be attributed to the number of motor vehicle crash deaths in New Mexico, but what are they?
In The Article
What Makes New Mexico Roads So Dangerous?
New Mexico’s Terrain
New Mexicans know that the vast terrain in the state is a contributing factor to the number of vehicle crash deaths. With varying terrain comes varying weather conditions, from mountain rains and flooding to sandstorms in the desert.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving plays a significant role in fatal car accidents in New Mexico. Of the 2,268 alcohol-involved car accidents in New Mexico in 2023, 149 of them were fatal and 971 involved an injury.
Distracted Driving
According to Las Cruces Sun News, a 2022 report shows that “New Mexico led the nation in districted driving deaths during a three-year period.” New Mexico’s distracted driving laws may hedge these numbers, but distracted driving remains one of the main cases for vehicle crash fatalities.
Speeding
Everyone seems to be in a hurry these days, and New Mexicans are not immune to the hustle and bustle. Speeding has attributed to several deadly accidents and vehicle crashes that cause injuries.
What is the Deadliest Road in New Mexico?
According to Money Geek, a study of New Mexico roads from 2017-2019 shows that “Central Ave. from San Mateo Blvd SE to Dorado Pl. SE in Albuquerque is the deadliest stretch of road” in the state.
While it may not be a surprise to some New Mexicans, some of the deadliest roads in the state are found in Albuquerque. Albuquerque has a higher population than much of the state, and over 29% of drunk driving accidents occur in Bernalillo County.
What Are Other Deadly Roads in New Mexico?
According to the study done by Money Geek, other deadly roads in New Mexico include:
- I-40 from Exit 154 to 158, in Albuquerque
- SR-45 Redlands Rd. NW to Central Ave. SW, in Albuquerque
- Gibson Blvd. SE from Valencia Dr. SE to Broadstone Way, in Albuquerque
- SR-118 between Rehoboth Dr. to Navajo Blvd in Gallup and Church Rock
- Lea County’s US-62 from Red Cloud R. to E-38
What to Do If a Loved One Died in a Car Accident
Fatal car accidents in New Mexico can take a great toll on a family, and knowing what to do if the unthinkable happens can help you prepare for the worst. Ron Bell Injury Lawyers knows that there are a lot of things to sort through when faced with the death of a loved one. For this reason, we take on wrongful death lawsuits as though you are a part of our family.
We go the extra mile to ensure that you can focus on fulfilling your loved one’s final wishes, and we take on big corporations and greedy insurance companies to get you the maximum compensation possible for your loved one’s wrongful death. Contact us today to learn how we can h
