Every road can be dangerous if drivers do not take adequate care and attention, but some strips of track are notoriously riskier than others. From English A-roads to the Taihang Mountains, here is a countdown of the five most dangerous roads in the world.
Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
5. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
Found high in the Taihang Mountains, this road was built by local villagers and took five years to complete. It opened to traffic in 1977 but not after a number of workers died during the construction. They were not the last unfortunate souls to lose their lives on this road either. The twisting path covers three quarters of a mile with views of a 15ft high abyss and a road width of only 12ft.
4. Ruta 5 Arica to Iquique Road, Chile
A very remote road, littered with the skeletons of cars that never made it, there are very few vehicles found on this road but when they do pass, they do so at such a speed, you have to wonder why they are in such a rush. Surrounded by deep valleys, the landscape is barren and a thick fog often descends to make this road even more difficult to navigate.
3. Siberian road to Yakutsk, Russia
Perhaps not surprising for one of the most remote places on the planet, this road is incredibly difficult to pass – especially in bad weather. When it rains, the road can turn to mud and vehicles quickly grind to a halt. So impassable is the road, that supplies for Yakutsk often have to be airlifted in.
2. A682, England
Whilst the A682 may lack the dangerous sheer drops and difficult landscape of the previous roads mentioned, it is very dangerous nonetheless. Almost 100 people have died on this road in the last ten years, which, considering it covers just 15, miles is a shocking statistic.
Considered one of the most dangerous stretches of tarmac in the UK, the A682 was assigned its dangerous road title by the European Road Assessment Programme.
1. The Death Road, Bolivia
An ominous title for a truly terrifying road, this 70km road puts drivers close to an 800m drop while trying to navigate tight hairpin bends. Approximately 26 vehicles go over the edge every year, taking with them more than 100 lives and making the title of most dangerous road, understandably earned.
Staying safe on any road
While these roads may be extreme examples, all roads have the potential to be dangerous and even fatal. Wherever you drive, always proceed with caution and take the type of road and weather conditions into consideration.
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, then you may be able to seek compensation. Road accident claims can be pursued through injury lawyers and its important you seek any compensation you’re due if the incident was not your fault.
