Some of the deadliest roads in the world are located in remote locations and have extremely challenging conditions. Others are considered dangerous because of high speeds and poor designs, which make accidents more likely. Here are some of the scariest roads in the world that most people avoid, yet some seek out the spectacular views or adrenaline-filled experiences they offer.

11. Zoji La Pass, India

Built in 1947, the Zoji La Pass was initially used for military purposes. Located around 3,528 metres above sea level, the pass is an essential link between the Ladakh and Kashmir regions, connecting the towns of Leh and Srinagar.

This notorious dirt road boasts gorgeous views and deadly drops. In winter, the pass is closed most of the time due to heavy snowfall, making the road impassable.

Locals will be happy they won’t have to take this dangerous road after 2030. The Zoji La tunnel should be completed by then, cutting travel time from 4 hours to just 15 minutes.

World's most dangerous road, Zoji la pass

10. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China

This famous road is located in northwest Henan, China, and is often referred to as “the road that does not tolerate any mistakes”.

Guoliang Tunnel was built in the 1970s by 13 villagers after the government refused to fund a road connecting the village to the rest of the country. It took the locals 5 years to finish the road, and several of them died during the construction.

The tunnel is just 1.2 kilometres long and 4 metres wide, requiring you to be laser-focused when driving through it. There are 30 large ‘windows’ or openings on the side of the tunnel and no guardrails.

World's most dangerous roads, a mountain tunnel road with openings

9. Kolyma Highway, Russia

Nicknamed “The Road of Bones”, this highway winds through the desolate landscape of Siberia and was built in the 1930s by Gulag prisoners. It’s alleged that about 250,000–1,000,000 imprisoned labourers who died during the construction of the road are buried beneath and around this highway.

Motorists attempting this dangerous road can end up stranded with no help in sight. In winter, temperatures can drop below -40°C, making for a fatal combination.

World's most dangerous roads, Kolyma highway

8. Taroko Gorge Road, Taiwan

Taroko Gorge is located in Hualien County, Taiwan. It attracts visitors with breathtaking views of its beautiful canyons. The road is paved and even has guardrails, but it’s narrow and winding.

There are many cliffside hairpin turns, smaller rockfalls, and dozens of single-lane tunnels. The tunnels are unlit, and only one large vehicle can pass at a time.

During typhoon season, the rains dislodge debris that falls on the road and causes landslides. And if that isn’t scary enough, the walls of the nearby gorge can fail when there’s seismic activity.

World's most dangerous roads, Taroko, Taiwan

Now, let’s shift our focus to America and look at some dangerous highways there.

7. US Route 285

US Route 285 is 1,362 km long and runs through Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. It’s known as one of the deadliest highways in the States. A stretch of Route 285 near Malaga, New Mexico, has even been nicknamed “Death Highway” by locals.

The US-285 was built in 1926 for rural traffic. But, it later became heavily used for oil transport, making the road less safe.

6. Interstate 285

I-285, which encircles the city of Atlanta in Georgia, has the highest number of deaths per mile. This 102.97 km long road has been designed in an unfortunate way — multiple sharp turns increase the likelihood of accidents.

In addition, many trucks use this road. Add to that visiting motorists unfamiliar with the tricky road, and you end up with one of the deadliest highways in the U.S.

5. Interstate 95

I-95 is the deadliest highway in South Carolina and a top contender for the deadliest highway in the U.S. In 2019, there was an average of 14.99 fatalities per 100 miles on the I-95, which is 3,096 km long and the main north-south Interstate Highway on the East Coast.

According to an earlier study, a section of the I-95 near Fort Lauderdale can claim the “deadliest mile” title in the United States. From 2000 to 2019, this one-mile stretch of road had 50 times the number of fatal car crashes versus the average highway mile.

Highway Route 95

4. California Highway 190

One of the most feared stretches of road in the United States is the Death Valley National Park section of California Highway 190. Death Valley can have extremely high temperatures, especially in the summer. And, in such a remote location, any breakdowns can potentially turn dangerous.

3. US Route 550

Also known as the “Million Dollar Highway” for its breathtaking views, this 25-mile stretch of highway runs from Ouray to Silverton in southwestern Colorado.

This road has fewer fatalities than other big highways, but it’s a terrifying road to travel and has a second nickname — “Highway to Hell”.

The most terrifying part of the road is located at the Red Mountain Pass, where you drive along the cliff’s edge without any guardrails.

Most dangerous roads in the world, US Route 550

2. Killar to Pangi Road via Kishtwar, India

The Killar to Pangi Road is 114km long and runs along the Chenab River. It connects the valley of Pangi, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, with the outside world.

During the winter months, this secluded location can be inaccessible when harsh weather conditions make it impossible to travel by road.

Open only in the summer months, this rocky gravel road was built hundreds of years ago by local villagers and hasn’t been repaired in decades.

World's most dangerous roads, a narrow mountain road

1. North Yungas Road, Bolivia

Camino de la Muerte, or Death Road, is a 64 km gravel dirt highway that connects the Andean city of La Paz to the Yungas valleys.

The North Yungas Road was built in the 1930s by Bolivian prisoners and is often regarded as the world’s most dangerous road because of the number of fatal accidents that have taken place here.

Some parts of the highway are only 3 metres wide, and traffic comes from both sides. There are many blind corners and sharp turns with hardly any barriers or guardrails. In some places, waterfalls splash down onto the road surface.

World's most dangerous road, Death Road, Bollivia

Now that we’ve explored the most dangerous roads in the world, we must remind ourselves that any road can become hazardous if our driving style isn’t safe. So here are some tips for making sure you stay safe while driving.

Tips for safe driving

Here are a few safety tips to help you stay safe when travelling in challenging conditions:

Avoid distractions. Using a handheld device during driving can increase your crash risk by 2.5 times. To stay safe, keep your attention on the road and your driving. Don’t use your phone or multitask!
Plan out your drive ahead of time. Before starting your journey, make sure you’ve planned out your stops. These could be breaks to eat, rest, or take necessary phone calls.
Pull over if you’re sleepy. Drowsy driving contributes to 21% of fatal crashes. When you’re feeling sleepy, avoid the temptation to keep going. Pull over and get some rest before continuing your journey.
Choose the correct driving speed. Drive at the allowed speed limit and slow down when necessary. This could be when weather conditions are challenging, the road conditions aren’t optimal, or visibility is low (including at night).
Drive defensively. Always pay attention to other drivers around you and assume something unexpected may happen and be ready to react all the time.

Try car-sharing for your journeys

If you’re heading out for a more adventurous journey, make sure your chosen road matches your skill level.

If you stick to your regular driving routes but are still looking for something a bit more exciting, trade your personal car for Bolt Drive. We offer a range of vehicles, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

With Bolt Drive, the final price is always final and includes parking fees, fuel, and insurance.

Drive safe and stay safe!

11 most dangerous roads in the world

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