The World’s 10 Deadliest Roads: One False Move Could Be Fatal

1. Skippers Canyon, New Zealand

A narrow, hand-carved road cut into a sheer cliff face over 140 years ago, Skippers Canyon Road is a 17.4 km stretch that winds above the Shotover River. This unpaved, treacherous path features sharp bends and a few hundred-meter drop-offs, making it one of the most dangerous roads in New Zealand. With no turnarounds for the first 6 km and many sections lacking pavement, only the most skilled drivers should attempt this journey. Insurance companies often exclude coverage for accidents here due to their perilous nature.

2. Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan

Known as Nanga Parbat Pass, Fairy Meadows Road is a high-altitude, unpaved mountain road in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. With no guardrails and uneven surfaces, one false move could result in a fatal plunge. The road narrows significantly towards the end, requiring travellers to walk or cycle the final section. Ranked as the world’s second deadliest highway in 2013, Fairy Meadows Road is not for the faint-hearted, as it poses extreme risks to those attempting to reach the breathtaking views at its end.

3. Pan-American Highway, Americas

Spanning over 30,600 km from Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina, the Pan-American Highway is a network of roads that pass through some of the most treacherous and inhospitable terrains on Earth. Originally envisioned as a single route, it now includes highways in dozens of countries. Travellers face not only the dangers of the harsh landscape but also threats from kidnappings, violence from guerrillas, drug traffickers, and smugglers, particularly in regions like the Darien Gap, which many choose to bypass by boat or plane.

4. Siberian Road to Yakutsk, Russia

The only road connecting Yakutsk to the rest of Russia, this 1,235 km highway is notorious for its extreme conditions. During the rainy season, the clay surface turns into an impassable muddy swamp, while winter brings bitter cold and isolation. Temperatures here are among the coldest recorded outside Antarctica, making the road perilous even in the best conditions. Emergency supplies are essential, as getting stranded on this road can be life-threatening.

5. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China

The Guoliang Tunnel Road, also known as the “Road of No Mistakes,” is a perilous mountain road in China’s Henan province. This 1.2 km tunnel, carved through the side of a cliff, connects the village of Guoliang with the outside world. The road is extremely narrow, unlit, and prone to natural disasters like rockfalls and mudslides. Drivers must navigate sharp turns and steep drops with barely enough room for two cars to pass. The lack of safety barriers and the risk of structural instability make this one of the most dangerous roads in the world.

6. Killar to Pangi Road, India

A 150-mile stretch of unpaved road in the Himalayas, the Killar to Pangi Road is a challenge for even the most experienced drivers and motorbike riders. Winding through steep-walled gorges and cliffs, with sheer drops into the Chenab River below, this road connects the remote villages of Killar in Jammu and Kashmir with Pangi in Himachal Pradesh. With no significant repairs in decades, the road is in poor condition, and risks like mudslides and poor visibility make it one of the most dangerous routes in India. The road is only open during the summer months due to the extreme conditions in winter.

7. Dalton Highway, Alaska, USA

The Dalton Highway is a 666 km stretch of road that runs from Deadhorse to the Elliot Highway in Alaska. This remote and isolated road is notorious for its extreme weather conditions, including snow, ice, and frigid temperatures that can drop visibility to near zero. The highway is heavily used by large commercial trucks transporting supplies to and from the Prudhoe Bay oil fields, making it even more dangerous for other drivers. Wildlife frequently crosses the road, adding another layer of risk. With no medical facilities or services for 240 miles, any accident can quickly turn deadly, and getting stranded without supplies could be fatal.

8. Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway

The Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway is one of the most scenic yet dangerous roads in the world. Spanning 8 km, the road connects a series of small islands and islets between Molde and Kristiansund. While parts of the road are relatively safe, a 5.2-mile stretch is infamous for its deadly combination of sharp curves, high winds, and powerful ocean waves. During storms, waves can crash over the road, making driving extremely hazardous. The road’s unique design and the natural beauty of the surrounding area draw many tourists, but its dangers should not be underestimated, especially during the harsh Norwegian winter.

9. Bayburt D915, Turkey

The Bayburt D915 road in Turkey is one of the world’s toughest and most dangerous roads. This 66-mile route runs through the Northeast Anatolia region and down to the Black Sea. With 29 hairpin bends, no guardrails, and steep drops, it demands extreme caution and skill from drivers. The road is especially treacherous in winter when blizzards and heavy snowfall can render it impassable. Even in the best conditions, the narrow road leaves no room for error. One wrong move on these sharp bends could send a vehicle tumbling down the mountainside, making this road suitable only for the most daring drivers.

10. Guangdong Mountain Road, China

Overview:
This dangerous mountain road in China is known for its precarious conditions and demanding navigation.

Dangers:
Drivers must navigate narrow, treacherous paths with sharp turns and steep gradients. The road’s lack of safety features and frequent natural disasters add to its danger. It requires exceptional driving skills and caution to avoid fatal accidents.