- Survey of 3,004 drivers.
- S. Route 441 (Great Smoky Mountains) the most avoided winter route in TN.
- Infographic showing the most avoided winter routes in the U.S.
When winter weather hits, many drivers quietly change their routes – not because certain roads are officially unsafe, but because they feel more stressed, exposed, or unpredictable in cold, dark, or icy conditions. To explore how winter affects every day driving behavior, RVWindshieldReplacement.com, a national network of RV auto glass experts, surveyed 3,004 drivers to identify the major roads Americans are most likely to avoid during winter weather.
The 3 most avoided roads in Tennessee are:
#1. U.S. Route 441 (Great Smoky Mountains)
Up in the Smokies, winter driving is a different experience altogether. Snow, ice, winding roads, and limited services make US-441 a route locals typically avoid once winter weather settles in – especially after dark or following fresh snowfall.
#2. I-24 (Chattanooga — Monteagle Mountain)
This is one Tennessee drivers know to respect in winter. Steep grades, sharp curves, fog, and ice combine to make Monteagle particularly treacherous during cold snaps. When conditions deteriorate, many locals delay trips rather than risk the descent.
#3. I-40 (Nashville — Cumberland Plateau)
Leaving Nashville to the east, winter conditions can escalate quickly as I-40 climbs onto the Plateau. Snow, ice, and frequent accidents on the higher elevations make this stretch one locals often avoid when storms move in – especially overnight or early morning.
