Revealed – The World’s Most Dangerous Roads

The Telegraph published an article declaring the most dangerous roads in the world. The A285 stretch of road between Chichester and Petworth is known as the most dangerous road in the UK. The North Yungas Road in Bolivia has traffic that travels in both directions and as it is only three metres wide and with no guard rails and a six hundred meter drop this can make even the most fearless drivers quake in their boots. Skippers Canyon Road in New Zealand also made the list, and is now popular with tourists who come purely to tackle the road.

Some roads are so hair-raising that just watching a video clip of them makes us feel queasy, and thankful that we don’t have to use them.

Here are just some of those roads that hold the title of the world’s most dangerous.

The North Yungas Road, Bolivia

Would you dare to tackle this road? Not for the faint hearted.

Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand

Located on South Island, this road is so dangerous due to the fact that it is extremely narrow, that no insurance company will honour any claims made as a result of driving on it.

Manaslu, Nepal

You need more than nerves of steel to even attempt to drive this. This is a particular challenging route and we don’t think many people would be willing to tackle this one.

The Trans-Siberian Highway in Russia has some troublesome areas. The section of highway that is considered the worst is the route between Chita and Khabarovsk which was constructed in 1949 by prisoners, as drivers are challenged by an uneven road of gravel, stones and mud, which is particularly treacherous in the wet summer months.

Sichuan-Tibet Highway in China. Landslides and rock avalanches are common on this route, need we say more.

Ho Chi-Minh Trail between Laos and Vietnam was filmed on the BBC2 World’s Most Dangerous Roads TV series and saw Lisa Tarbuck and Sue Perkins braving the route through the mountains and jungles which has a disarranged number of unexploded bombs scattered along it.

However despite this, choosing to hire a car whilst on holiday can give you so much freedom and flexibility to explore your holiday destination as and when you wish. So if you are planning to hire a car abroad remember that the roads may not be the same as what you are used to here in the UK. Here are some points to bear in mind.

• Adjust Headlights – If you are using your own vehicle then be aware that as most countries drive on the opposite side of the road to us you will need to adjust your headlights so that the beam doesn’t shine directly onto oncoming traffic. You may need to ask a mechanic to do this for you.
• Drive Carefully – Remember that the style of driving abroad by locals will be different to that in your own country. The advice from the Foreign Office is to drive defensively when abroad and to expect the unexpected at all times.
• Avoid Tiredness – The combination of late nights and hot sun during the day can make you more sleepy than normal, so make sure you follow these steps to ensure you are fully alert. If you are not used to driving at night at home, then don’t do it abroad as your body will automatically start to wind down. Try and take breaks every two hours when driving long distances, get out the car have some fresh air and a drink. Split the journey up with another driver if you are able to.
• Check Local Speed Limits – Make sure you check speed limits and other rules for driving in that specific country. You don’t want to have to pay a hefty fine on your holiday.
• Equipment – Useful items to carry in the car include a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, spare bulbs, torch and blanket. Many countries require you by law to carry such items. So double check this before travelling.
• 112 – This is the most important number to have in your phone if you are travelling in Europe. This is the emergency contact number.
• Wear Seatbelts – We are so used to wearing them in the UK that it should become second nature, however so many people seem to forget this when they are abroad. Being abroad doesn’t make you invincible, so even if the law in that country states you can travel without one, make sure you still buckle up.
• Regular Health Checks For Your Car – Check the wear and tear of your car before setting off on any journey. Make sure mirrors, lights and tyres are in full working order. Check the local laws and driving advice in the countries you are travelling in.

The report shows how many roads in the UK and abroad are very dangerous. Would you avoid or challenge them?