9 of the world's most dangerous roads
Statistics may say that most car accidents take place close to home, but it’s not the local high street or B-road that gives us palpitations. It’s the precipitous drops, narrow paths, random landslides and scarcity of barriers of the world’s most dangerous roads. Here are nine for timid drivers to avoid.
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Tianmnen Mountain, China
They call it the Road to Heaven and one mistake could certainly see you heading towards the pearly gates. Climbing the Tianmen Mountain road in China involves tackling some 99 hairpin bends over just nine miles. Discover more.
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Skippers Canyon, New Zealand
Running just over 16 miles through Skippers Canyon in New Zealand’s South Island, this devlishly narrow road was hand cut during a feverish gold rush of the 1880s. It ticks all the terrifying boxes with steep drops, switchbacks and no barriers. It’s only accessible by 4x4 and hire car companies won’t let you drive their cars on it, so you’ll have to find a friendly (and brave) local if you want to experience it for yourself.
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Hana Highway, Hawaii
Apparently the Hana Highway on Maui is known as ‘The Divorce Highway’ as driving it is such a stress-fest that it causes huge arguments among previously-happy holidaying couples. It’s hardly a highway, either with 620 corners and 50 bridges in 50 miles. Thankfully the speed limit is just 25mph. Discover more.
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Valley of Blood, Pakistan
Part of the legendary Silk Road, the Khunjerab Pass gained the moniker the “Valley of Blood” thanks its ideal geography as an ambush location. Countless travellers lost everything, including their lives on this treacherous route. Today, while the risk of robbery is rather less, the hazards include earthquakes, flash floods and landslides.
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Rest and Be Thankful, Scotland
There’s nothing restful about driving on this section of the A83. Since 2007 the road has been closed no less than nine times due to massive rockslides. If it wasn’t for the constant fear of getting crushed by tons of rock it would be lovely drive through the Highlands. Discover more.
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Cerro de la Muerte, Costa Rica
Once again the clue is in the name. Cerro de la Muerte means ‘Mountain of Death’. Marking the highest point of the Pan-American Highway the road takes you beyond the clouds through verdant rainforest with nary a crash barrier in sight.
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Zoji La, India
Linking the Kashmir, Drus and Suru valleys with the Indus Valley this crazy mountain-hugging pass is a major thoroughfare. Don’t expect guard rails or tarmac, but do expect incredible winds and landslides as you climb as high as 3,500 metres.
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Road of Bones, Russia
The Kolyma Highway runs over 1,500 miles across Siberia through some of the most hostile climatic conditions in the world. Winter temperatures drop to below -25 degrees centigrade while in the summer it can reach a scorching 38 degrees or more. Thousands of gulag prisoners died constructing the road, giving it the ghoulish name ‘The Road of Bones’. Vast swathes of this wilderness are unpopulated so you need to be properly prepared for every eventuality should you dare to drive it.
Matt Harvey
El Camino del Muerte, Bolivia
Bolivia’s Death Road connecting La Paz to Coroico in the Yungas is littered with memorials to those who have lost their lives. From overloaded trucks, to microbuses and thrill-seeking cyclists, so many have lost control and plummeted off the side of this incredibly sketchy dirt road. Frequently closed by landslides, with waterfalls to dodge under, an alternative route thankfully opened up in 2009. Discover more.