The "Deadliest Highway" Turn in Ohio: Why Locals Know to Hit the Brakes

It is perhaps the most famous highway hazard in the state—a near 90-degree turn on a major interstate that forces traffic to slam the brakes from 60 mph down to 35 mph instantly. Despite massive signage and rumble strips, it claims trucks and out-of-towners regularly.

But Cleveland isn't the only danger zone. From the high-speed drifts of the "Outerbelt" in Columbus to the chaotic merges of Cincinnati, here are the roads you need to respect in 2026.

1. The Legend: "Dead Man's Curve" (I-90, Cleveland)

This isn't just a nickname; it’s an accurate description of the Innerbelt Curve near downtown Cleveland.

The Danger Zone: where I-90 makes a sharp, almost right-angle turn near the lake.

• The Problem: It was built in 1959, long before modern highway standards. The turn is so sharp that if you take it at highway speed, you will hit the wall.
• The Risk: In winter, the lake wind freezes this curve before the rest of the road. Locals know to slow down before they see the signs. If you see a semi-truck tipping over on the news in Cleveland, it’s usually here.

2. The "Hypnosis" Highway: I-71 (The "Hell is Real" Stretch)

Between Columbus and Cincinnati lies a stretch of I-71 that is dangerous for the opposite reason: it is straight, flat, and boring.

• The Problem: This corridor (famous for the "Hell is Real" billboard) encourages extremely high speeds. When traffic suddenly stops for construction or an accident near the outlet malls in Jeffersonville, the results are often catastrophic rear-end collisions.
• The Deer Factor: This stretch is also prime deer country. Hitting a deer at 75 mph is a major cause of total-loss accidents in the fall.

3. The Intersection List: 2 Spots to Watch

Crash data consistently highlights these surface streets as high-risk zones.

A. Morse Road & Northland Area (Columbus)

If you live in Columbus, you avoid Morse Road during rush hour if you can help it.

• Why it’s dangerous: It is a classic "stroad"—a high-speed road lined with hundreds of driveways, shopping centers, and bus stops.
• The Stat: It frequently ranks as one of the state's deadliest corridors for pedestrians. Drivers are watching for gap-shooters turning left and often miss people trying to cross the seven-lane street.

B. Colerain Avenue (Cincinnati)

Similar to Morse Road, Colerain Avenue (US 27) is a chaos engine.

• The Risk: The volume of traffic combined with aggressive lane changes near the highway ramps makes this a fender-bender factory.

4. The Winter Warning: The "Snow Belt" (I-90 East)

While "Dead Man's Curve" is dangerous year-round, the stretch of I-90 East of Cleveland (Lake/Ashtabula Counties) is a seasonal death trap.

• The Phenomenon: Lake Effect Snow. You can be driving on dry pavement in Cleveland and hit a "white wall" of snow in Mentor. Visibility drops to zero instantly.
• The Pileups: This is where the massive 50+ car pileups happen.
• Local Rule: If the forecast says "Lake Effect," take the slower local roads further inland or stay home.

Summary: How to Survive the Commute

• Respect the 35 MPH Sign: When approaching Dead Man's Curve, do not test your luck. The recommended speed limit is not a suggestion.
• Watch for Brake Lights on I-71: If you are cruising near the Tanger Outlets on I-71, stay alert. Traffic goes from 80 to 0 very fast.
• Look Twice on Morse Road: If you are driving in North Columbus, scan the sidewalks. Pedestrians often cross mid-block because the crosswalks are half a mile apart.