Does New Mexico’s Terrain Make It More Dangerous for Drivers?
April 17, 2025
What Does New Mexico’s Terrain Look Like?
Many don’t realize that New Mexico is an incredibly large state. With a land area at 121,365 square miles, New Mexico is the 5th largest state in the US. With a lot of land comes a lot of landscape, and New Mexico seems to have it all. The state is home to five national forests, the Rocky Mountains, desert, and plains, making it home to nearly every type of terrain the United States has to offer. But What does that mean for drivers in the state?
In The Article
How Does the Varying Terrain of New Mexico Contribute to Accident Rates?
New Mexico’s varying terrain means that it is home to numerous types of weather conditions and driving conditions. Weather conditions from sandstorms to mountain snows are contributing factors to accidents across the state. New Mexico also experiences flash flooding and hailstorms to add more dangerous conditions for drivers.
The mountainous areas provide winding roads with steep grades. Roads like NM 4 in Northern New Mexico is mainly a two-lane road with speed limits of 50-55 miles per hour. This road tends to attract tourists looking for Jemez Mountain monuments and parks with beautiful views. But it also is home to steep grade changes that can be dangerous for those who are not used to driving in the mountains.
Although not in the route of New Mexico State Road 4, Bernalillo County is New Mexico’s hot spot for car accidents, and it is home to some of the most dangerous roads in the state.
What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in New Mexico?
Albuquerque has eight of the 10 most dangerous roads in New Mexico, and the terrain is a contributing factor. With a mix between desert and mountain landscapes, the city itself sits in a valley.
Roads like Central Ave., SR-45, Gibson Blvd. SE, I-25, and I-40 are among the most dangerous roads in New Mexico. However, there are rural areas that have dangerous roads based on their terrain, including SR-118 between Navajo Blvd. and Rehoboth Dr. in Gallup.
What Does New Mexico’s Terrain Mean for Drivers?
The amount of accidents that occur in New Mexico along with other contributing factors can lead to higher insurance rates for New Mexican drivers. While the majority of urban areas in New Mexico have higher accident rates, there are rural areas that have more severe accidents that increase insurance rates. For example, Moriarty roads are traveled less than Albuquerque roads, but the accidents that happen in this area tend to me more severe than fender benders and T-bone car accidents in Albuquerque.
According to Insurance Services of New Mexico, “the state’s unique geography, its mountainous terrain and extensive desert areas, can make driving conditions more challenging. These risk factors not only increase the likelihood of accidents but also lead to higher insurance costs as companies factor these risks into their premium calculations.”
What to Do If You’ve Been in a Car Accident in New Mexico
If you’ve been in a car accident in New Mexico, the very first thing you should do is seek medical attention. If it is not a medical emergency, be sure to take pictures of the vehicle or vehicles involved as well as pictures of the surrounding area. Additionally, collecting witness statements and note the weather and road conditions. You may also find that hiring a personal injury lawyer in New Mexico is one of the best ways to protect your rights after you’ve been in a car accident.
Ron Bell Injury Lawyers has been service car accident victims in New Mexico for over 40 years, and we understand how the terrain affects driving conditions. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.