 |
| Add caption credit goes to (richest.com for this photo) |
Driving can sometimes be dangerous, with the amount of potholes, road raging drivers and misleading signs making you an accident waiting to happen. So it may seem surprising to some of us city-dwellers that there are roads much worse than ours, causing hundreds of deaths every year.About 1.3 million people die in traffic accidents every year.There is nothing more relaxing than a slow ride through the countryside. These roads are nice due to the absence of fast cars. Apart from the calm countryside roads, there are the dangerous roads that turn your knuckles white.It’s hard to compare driving on dangerous roads to anything else. Some of them are hand-built, others are completely hidden by water or rocks.Fasten your seat belts, because the Bright Side put together a compilation of 15 craziest roads that are worth exploring.For thousands of years roads have provided a means for safer and more efficient movement of goods and people, but as you will see in a moment this is not always the case. While some of the roads on our list are heavily traveled thoroughfares others are remote, winding, and narrow. Whatever the case may be though, the 25 most dangerous roads in the world will likely convince you that walking isn’t really that bad after all.The World Health Organization has declared 2011-2021, “A decade of action for road safety.” But while many of those deaths could be prevented by better driving, there are some roads that test the skill, and courage, of any driver. Whether it’s hairpin bends, sheer mountain drops or roads through war zones, following are.Here is a list of 10 most dangerous roads in the world. These roads have high death rates and are extremely dangerous.The people who live around these areas depend on these roads for their daily transportation; so consider yourself lucky.
10. Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China
 |
| Add caption |
The Sichuan-Tibet Highway, a high-elevation road between Chengdu and Tibet where landslides and rock avalanches are common, is undoubtedly part of the problem. It is a road with a record of over 7,500 deaths for every 100,000 drivers has reason to be feared. Due to rock slides, avalanches, and poor weather drivers should certainly use caution.A road with a record of over 7,500 deaths for every 100,000 drivers has reason to be feared. Due to rock slides, avalanches, and poor weather drivers should certainly use caution.The Sichuan-Tibet Highway, a high-elevation road between Chengdu and Tibet where landslides and rock avalanches are common, is undoubtedly part of the problem.
9. The Stelvio Pass, Italy
 |
| Add caption |
The Stelvio Pass is a mountain pass in northern Italy, at an elevation of 2,757 m (9,045 ft) above sea level. It is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and the second highest in the Alps, just 13 m (43 ft) below France's Col de l'Iseran (2,770 m (9,088 ft)).The pass is located in the Ortler Alps in Italy between Stilfs ("Stelvio" in Italian) in South Tyrol and Bormio in the province of Sondrio. It is about 75 km (47 mi) from Bolzano and a mere 200 m from the Swiss border. The Umbrail Pass runs northwards from the Stelvio's western ramp, and the "Three Languages Peak" (Dreisprachenspitze) above the pass is so named because this is where the Italian, German, and Romansh languages meet.at 9045 feet is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and the second highest in the Alps, slightly below the Col de l’Iseran 9088 feet. Some roads look a lot more dangerous than they really are. With more hairpins than Helena Bonham Carter, the Stelvio Pass looks like a child’s scribble over the hills. The road climbs almost two kilometers and, with just a low concrete barrier between you and the steep mountain drop, it’s best not to look down. A bit too much speed on one of the road’s 60 180-degree corners could spell disaster.It may not be the scariest road on our list to drive, but it certainly is the most winding and this 2.7km road in the Italian Alps has been known to give drivers trouble.The Stelvio Pass located in Italy, at 9045 feet is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and the second highest in the Alps, slightly below the Col de l’Iseran 9088 feet.
8. Los Caracoles Pass, Chile
 |
| Add caption |
This road passes through mountain Andreas between Chile and Argentina.The road has many steep slopes and sharp turns without fences security.This road passes through mountain Andreas between Chile and Argentina.The road has many steep slopes and sharp turns without fences security. The road is snow-covered almost all the year. Snow together with the complex natural landscape requires extreme patience and driving skill to drive in emergency situations. However, this road is maintained in working condition, which significantly reduces the number of accidents on it. Trucks and even double-decker tourist buses travel daily on this road.Driving along the road can seem rather harmless as runs through flat and wide open spaces but apparently drivers are often lulled into a false sense of security leading them to speed which many times ends in disaster.
7. Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand
 |
| Add caption |
The Skippers Canyon Road, located in New Zealand, is unbelievably scary as it’s made from a very narrow cut in the middle of a sheer cliff face. This winding road actually requires a special permit to drive. If you do manage to get permission though, be ready for a slippery challenge and good luck if you run into someone coming from the other direction.The Skippers Canyon Road, located in New Zealand, is unbelievably scary as it’s made from a very narrow cut in the middle of a sheer cliff face.The road can turn to dust in dry weather, and into greasy mud in the rainy season. More than that, if you choose to take your driving adventures on the road, don’t expect your insurance to take care of you. It is one of only two roads in New Zealand where car rental insurance isn’t honoured. You’ll also need to apply for a permit, and adhere to the limits of usage when driving on the road.Like a lot of the roads on our list, the Skippers Canyon Road brings you scenic views, and a dangerous drive. The gravel road of 26km was built for gold diggers (actual miners, not your ex) to carry their booty from the mines back home. The road is extremely narrow, and if you meet another car, you may even need to reverse for up to 3km to find a space to pass.This narrow and winding road actually requires a special permit to drive. If you do manage to get permission though, be ready for a slippery challenge and good luck if you run into someone coming from the other direction.
6. The Zoji Pass, India
 |
| Add caption |
Zoji La is a high mountain pass in India, located on the Indian National Highway 1D between Srinagar and Leh. Ladakh and Kashmir are connected by this 9-km-long road. On top of everything, this road is extremely narrow, although it has to fit in both drivers and livestock.The pass provides a vital link between Ladakh and Kashmir. It runs at an elevation of approximately 3,528 metres, and is the second highest pass after Fotu La. It is often closed during winter. But it’s a lifeline that keeps the people of Ladakh in touch with the rest of the world.Zoji La is a high mountain pass in India, located on the Indian National Highway 1D between Srinagar and Leh.
5. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
 |
| Add caption |
The Guoliang Tunnel is carved along the side of and through a mountain in China. It may be hard to see in the photo, this road was hollowed out of the side of a mountain by several villagers from the town of Guoliang.This epic tunnel was built to gain access to the nearby village of Guoliang, located in a valley surrounded by mountains cut off from outside civilization. It was carved into the side of the mountain by thirteen villagers, where some died during construction. While the windows in the tunnel offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains, drivers are advised to take a cautious approach.Although it may be hard to see in the photo, this road in China was hollowed out of the side of a mountain by several villagers from the town of Guoliang. Before the construction of this mountain pass the village was cut of from the rest of civilization by the surrounding cliffs. Although it doesn’t see much traffic, due to its construction it is inherently fairly dangerous. The road wasn’t exactly planned for city drivers, and it is known for sharp tunnel twists, turns and dips in unpredictable places which can leave you crashing into the walls. Before the construction of this mountain pass the village was cut of from the rest of civilization by the surrounding cliffs. Although it doesn’t see much traffic, due to its construction it is inherently fairly dangerous.
4. Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
 |
| Add caption |
One of the many “8th Wonder of the World” icons, the road is the highest paved international road in the world. It is named as the Friendship Highway because of the collaboration between Pakistan and China in building the road. While it does provide a stunning view of some of the highest mountains and glaciers, it is prone to landslides and floods. The Karakoram Highway is the highest paved international road in the world. It connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range, through the Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of 4,693 metres. It’s prone to landslides and floods and to make matters worse, the road is unpaved in Pakistan. But it is still a tourist attraction, passing through some spectacular gorges along the old Silk Road.
3. James Dalton Highway, Alaska
 |
| Add caption |
The Dalton Highway is a 667 km road in Alaska. It begins at the Elliott Highway, north of Fairbanks, and ends at Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean and the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. Although appearing serene at first glance, is filled with potholes, small flying rocks carried by fast winds, and worst of all it runs through the middle of nowhere.If you’re looking for a peaceful drive, while enjoying a serene sight before you, this is not the highway to do it. You’d be trading nice, scenic views for the dangers of potholes and rocks carried by fast winds. You’ll also be stuck in the middle of nowhere if your car breaks down. Not a nice place to be in, when everything around you is icy cold. In fact, anyone travelling on the Dalton is encouraged to bring survival gear. Imagine going out for a picnic here. The James Dalton Highway in Alaska, although appearing serene at first glance, is filled with potholes, small flying rocks carried by fast winds, and worst of all it runs through the middle of nowhere.The Dalton Highway is a 667 km road in Alaska. Although appearing serene at first glance this highway is filled with potholes, small flying rocks carried by winds, and worst of all it runs through the middle of nowhere.
2. Jalalabad–Kabul Road, Afghanistan
 |
| Add caption |
Many roads have been dubbed “most dangerous,” but the 65-kilometer stretch of highway from Jalalabad to Kabul has more claim than most, snaking through Taliban territory.The Jalalabad Kabul road runs from the Afghan cities of Kabul and Jalalabad. The narrow, winding lanes that make up most of the road, while heading uphill make it exceptionally dangerous for any driver in their right mind. You will have to share your side of the road with reckless Afghan drivers zooming in and out like Formula One drivers. Fatal accidents are so common that there isn’t a count of the souls lost on this twisted road.But it’s not the threat of insurgency that makes Highway so dangerous. It’s a combination of the narrow, winding lanes that climb up to 600 meters through the Kabul gorge and the reckless Afghan drivers trying to overtake the heavily-burdened haulage trucks.Many roads have been dubbed “most dangerous,” but the 65-kilometer stretch of highway from Jalalabad to Kabul has more claim than most, snaking through Taliban territory.
1. North Yungas Road, Bolivia
 |
| Add caption |
Also known as the “Road of Death” in Bolivia, it is often cited as the most dangerous road in the world. It is a regular occurrence for buses and trucks to go tumbling to the valley below, especially when they try passing each other.Known for its pleasant nickname of the death road, this 69km road leads from La Paz to Yungas in the region of Bolivia. In 2006, it was estimated that as many as 200 to 300 travellers were killed yearly along the road. The single lane road has no guardrails, allowing you to enjoy the scenic view from cliffs that are up to 600m. Yea, walking doesn’t sound too bad after all. It is legendary for its extreme danger and the Inter-American Development Bank christened it as the “world’s most dangerous road”. One estimate is that 200 to 300 travellers are killed yearly along the road. The road includes cross markings on many of the spots where vehicles have fallen. It is a regular occurrence for buses and trucks to go tumbling to the valley below, especially when they try passing each other.
(Article written by nazrul islam Liton)
0 comments:
Post a Comment