Ah, the open road. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a good drive, is there? That is, unless you’re unfortunate enough to find yourself on one of these utterly bonkers stretches of tarmac. From hairpin bends that would make your nan’s curlers look straight, to surfaces so bumpy they’d shake the fillings out of your teeth, these roads are the stuff of nightmares for even the most seasoned petrolheads. So buckle up, dear readers, as we take a white-knuckle tour of the world’s most treacherous thoroughfares. Just remember: this is purely for your reading pleasure. Please, for the love of all that’s holy, don’t get any ideas about taking these routes on your next family holiday.
1. North Yungas Road, Bolivia
Nicknamed “Death Road”, this 40-mile stretch between La Paz and Coroico is the stuff of legend among thrill-seekers. With its narrow, unpaved surface and sheer drops of up to 600 metres, it’s not hard to see why. The road claims an estimated 200-300 lives each year. Ironically, it’s now a popular tourist attraction for mountain bikers – because apparently, some people just can’t get enough of tempting fate.
2. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
Carved into the side of a mountain by 13 local villagers, this road is a testament to human determination. It’s also a testament to why sometimes, it’s best to leave road building to the professionals. The tunnel is just over a kilometre long, five metres high, and four metres wide – barely enough room for two cars to squeeze past each other. One wrong move, and you’ll be taking an express trip to the valley floor below.
3. Dalton Highway, Alaska
This 414-mile stretch of gravel and potholes is one of the most isolated roads in the world. It’s so remote that drivers are advised to bring survival gear, extra fuel, and enough food and water for several days. The road is mainly used by trucks supplying oil fields, which kick up rocks and dust, cracking windscreens like they’re going out of fashion. Oh, and did I mention the temperatures can drop to -62°C? Lovely.
4. Zoji La Pass, India
Situated at a height of 3,528 metres, this high mountain pass in the western Himalayas is as beautiful as it is terrifying. The unpaved road is barely wide enough for one vehicle, with no guardrails to prevent a tumble into the abyss. Add in extreme weather conditions and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. It’s closed for half the year due to snow, which is probably for the best.
5. Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand
This narrow gravel road was carved by hand by miners over 140 years ago. It’s so dangerous that rental car insurance won’t cover you if you drive on it. The road is barely wide enough for one vehicle, with sheer drops and no guardrails. If you meet oncoming traffic, one of you will have to back up for up to 3 kilometres. It’s like a very high-stakes game of chicken, really.
6. Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan
Don’t let the whimsical name fool you – there’s nothing magical about this road unless you count the magical ability to turn even the bravest driver into a quivering wreck. This unpaved road is so narrow and steep that the final stretch can only be completed by jeep or on foot. With drops of up to 600 metres and no guardrails, it’s like a real-life game of Jenga – one wrong move and it’s all over.
7. Stelvio Pass, Italy
This winding mountain road boasts 48 hairpin turns in quick succession. While it’s a favourite among motorists and cyclists for its stunning views, it’s also notoriously dangerous. The tight turns and steep inclines make it a challenge even in good weather. In winter, it’s closed due to heavy snowfall – probably for the best, unless you fancy recreating Cool Runnings in your family saloon.
8. Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China
This 2,142km route traverses 14 mountains over 4,000 metres high. It’s prone to landslides, falling rocks, and extreme weather conditions. The road is so challenging that drivers are advised to bring oxygen supplies to combat altitude sickness. It’s like a very long, very dangerous version of the Crystal Maze, except instead of crystals, you’re playing for your life.
9. Passage du Gois, France
This 4.3km road is only accessible twice a day at low tide. The rest of the time, it’s completely submerged under the Atlantic Ocean. Drivers have about an hour and a half to cross before the tide comes in. Get your timing wrong, and you’ll end up with a very waterlogged vehicle. It’s like playing a very wet version of musical chairs, only instead of losing your seat, you lose your car.
10. Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
While stunningly beautiful, this road can become treacherous during storms. The 8.3km stretch includes eight bridges and is frequently battered by strong winds and waves. During construction, there were 12 hurricanes. It’s like Mother Nature decided to create her own version of Total Wipeout, with your car as the unwitting contestant.
11. Trollstigen, Norway
Also known as the Troll’s Path, this steep mountain road features 11 hairpin bends. It has a gradient of 10% and is so narrow that vehicles over 12.4 metres long are prohibited. The road is often shrouded in mist, adding an extra layer of difficulty. It’s like trying to navigate a giant’s staircase in pea soup fog – not for the faint-hearted.
12. Karakoram Highway, Pakistan to China
Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, this high-altitude international road connects Pakistan and China. It’s one of the highest paved roads in the world, reaching 4,714 metres at its highest point. Landslides, rock falls, and extreme weather are common. It’s like playing a very high-stakes game of Snakes and Ladders, where the snakes are avalanches and the ladders are… well, there are no ladders.
13. Col de Turini, France
This high mountain pass in the French Alps is famous for its hairpin turns and steep drops. It’s a stage in the Monte Carlo Rally, where drivers navigate its treacherous bends at night. In winter, it’s often covered in snow and ice, adding an extra layer of danger. It’s like ice skating, but with a two-tonne vehicle and potentially fatal consequences.
14. Tianmen Mountain Road, China
This road features 99 hairpin turns over its 11km length, earning it the nickname “the road of 99 bends”. The final destination is Heaven’s Gate, a natural arch in the mountain. The road is so steep and winding that buses taking tourists up the mountain must be specially designed. It’s like a roller coaster, except you’re in control – which, depending on your driving skills, might not be a good thing.
15. A537 (Cat and Fiddle Road), England
Proving that you don’t need to go to exotic locales for dangerous drives, this road between Macclesfield and Buxton is one of the most dangerous in the UK. Its mix of sharp bends and steep drops has led to numerous accidents, particularly among motorcyclists. It’s been dubbed the “elastoplast road” due to the number of crashes. It’s like the British weather – looks harmless enough, but can turn nasty when you least expect it.
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Justin Hartman is a tech-savvy storyteller with a passion for gaming, movies, and all things automotive. Whether he's dissecting the latest gadgets, diving into cinematic classics, or geeking out over cars, trucks, and planes, Justin brings curiosity and expertise to every topic. When he's not writing, you’ll find him leveling up in his favorite games or cruising in search of his next automotive adventure.
