The "Deadliest" 15 Miles of Highway in Maryland: Locals Know to Avoid

But while everyone complains about traffic on I-495, there is one specific stretch of road in Prince George's County that locals (and police) fear for a different reason: Indian Head Highway (Route 210). It has been called a "speedway"  and a "death trap." Despite increased enforcement and speed cameras, it remains one of the most statistically dangerous corridors in the Mid-Atlantic.

But Route 210 isn't the only spot where Maryland drivers need to be on high alert. From the infamous "Cobra Curve" to the chaos of Baltimore's busiest intersections, here are the red zones you need to watch out for in 2026.

1. The "Drag Strip": Indian Head Highway (Route 210)

While the Beltway is annoying, Route 210 is lethal. Stretching from the DC line down through Oxon Hill and Fort Washington, this highway is notorious for extreme speeding and tragic collisions.

The Danger Zone: The 10-mile stretch between the Capital Beltway (I-495) and Livingston Road is the critical area.

• The Issue: It is a wide, straight, six-lane highway that feels like an interstate but has traffic lights and intersections. This design flaw encourages drivers to exceed 80 mph, leading to devastating T-bone crashes at lights.
• The Local Take: "People treat 210 like the Autobahn. You’ll be doing 60 and someone will blow past you doing 90, weaving in and out. If you live in Fort Washington, you listen to sirens every night."

2. The "Cobra Curve": I-495 Outer Loop (Silver Spring)

If you commute on the Capital Beltway, you know exactly where this is without looking at a map.

Located near the iconic Mormon Temple, the "Cobra Curve" (or the Temple Curve) is a sudden, sharp bend in the highway that catches thousands of drivers off guard every year.

• Why it’s dangerous: Traffic is often flowing at 65 mph and suddenly hits a wall of brake lights as the road curves sharply downhill and to the left.
• The Result: It is a hotspot for rear-end collisions and tractor-trailers jackknifing in bad weather. If it is raining, locals know to stay in the middle lane and leave double the following distance.

3. The Intersection List: 2 Spots to Watch

Data from Baltimore and the DC suburbs highlights these intersections as consistent trouble spots.

A. Gwynns Falls Parkway & Reisterstown Road (Baltimore)

This intersection in West Baltimore consistently ranks as one of the city's worst for crash volume.

• The Problem: It is a confusing convergence of major arteries near Mondawmin Mall. Aggressive lane changes and drivers trying to "beat the light" create a constant stream of fender benders and side-swipe accidents.

B. University Blvd & Georgia Avenue (Wheaton)

This Montgomery County intersection is massive, busy, and dangerous—especially for pedestrians.

• The Problem: It’s a classic "stroad" intersection with high-speed traffic mixing with heavy foot traffic from the Metro and shopping centers. The turning lanes are complex, and drivers watching for other cars often fail to see people in the crosswalks.

4. The "Summer Nightmare": The Bay Bridge (US-50)

While technically a bridge, no list of Maryland dangers is complete without US-50 leading up to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

• The Risk: It’s not just the fear of heights (though the bridge is terrifying for many). The real danger is the "stop-and-go" accordion effect on the approaches during summer weekends.
• The Crash Pattern: Traffic will be moving at 60 mph and then come to a dead stop instantly as lanes merge. Rear-end collisions here are frequent and often shut down the bridge for hours, trapping thousands of people.

How to Survive the Commute

• Watch Your Mirrors on 210: If you are stopped at a red light on Indian Head Highway, keep an eye on your rearview mirror. Rear-end crashes at high speed are common here.
• Slow Down at the Temple: When you see the Mormon Temple spires on the Beltway, lift your foot off the gas. The traffic will slow down around the bend.
• Stay in Your Lane in Baltimore: At Gwynns Falls, pick your lane early. Last-second lane changes are the #1 cause of accidents at that intersection.