Roads can be our asphalt friends when we’re blasting down a stretch of tarmac at 60mph, but while we moan about the pot-hole situation in the UK, there are roads which make ours look like a velvet carpet.
Some of the most dangerous roads in the world kill hundreds every year, so which are the ones to avoid if ever you find yourself in a foreign land?
1. Death Road – Bolivia
Immortalised by Top Gear’s Bolivian special, the Death Road in Bolivia is easily one of the most dangerous roads in the world. If the insane road condition doesn’t get your back sweatier than Rik Waller’s after a gym session, then the sheer drops down into unquestionably death will.
The scenery may be beautiful, but you won’t be able to take in the views because you’ll be far too busy concentrating on not getting killed.
You see, the problem starts with the sheer width of the road – it’s just not wide enough for two cars – and then you get the drivers who think they can still travel at 40mph even though there’s a very high chance of being muscled off the road and join the rest of the 200-300 drivers who are killed every year.
It’s a road you definitely want to avoid – if you want to live, that is.
2. Ruta 5 – Chile
Chile is famous for its mind-blowing scenery and landscape, but the Ruta 5 which runs for mile after mile is enough to put anyone off.
The neutral-coloured hue is not only captivating but also quite distracting, and with drivers speeding at what seems is warp speed, you definitely need to be on your toes to conquer this road.
Connecting Arica to Iquique, Ruta 5 is one of the most dangerous roads in the world – so treat it with some respect.
3. Siberian Road – Russia
Russia may no longer be under the eyes of German soldiers but they’re still unwilling to pave their Siberian road which connects to Yakutsk – just in case of an invasion.
In truth, no army could invade Yakutsk because nothing currently available in the military would be able to find its way through this ‘road’. It’s made from permafrost – meaning there’s no cement, no asphalt and no paving. It’s just not a road, but thousands of cars still use this route to commute.
Unfortunately, when the rain comes, it becomes seriously dangerous. Think of just how unpleasant a road that is made from mud would be with heavy rain, and couple that with thousands of angry Russians and you’ve got a combination for danger.
4. Sichaun-Tibet Highway – China
Tibet – sounds very remote, doesn’t it?
Well, you’d be right, and the highway which connects Sichaun to Tibet is extremely dangerous because of its remoteness. Unfortunately, this road is dangerous thanks to common avalanches and rock falls – which sounds bloody terrifying – and it kills hundreds every year.
If you can survive it, there are some beautiful views to soak up, so good luck, pilgrim.
Are You Brave Enough?
So there you have it; some of the most dangerous roads in the world. There are plenty more, but the aforementioned have danger written all over them it and they definitely do not take any prisoners.
Dare you take them on? Lots of local and international travel companies offer tours to all the destinations featured on our list.
