5 of the Deadliest Roads in the World

Recently we covered the world’s wildest roads, and now we’re taking a look at some of the deadliest. Rife with drunk drivers, speed freaks and poor conditions, you’ll take your life into your own hands if you drive on these roads.

1. Trans-Siberian Highway, Russia

At almost 12,000 km in length, spanning the width of Russia and from Vladivostok to St. Petersburg, the Trans-Siberian Highway is one of the longest, and most deadly roads to drive in the world. The environment is tough to say the least with the road traversing remote mountains, deserts and forest. Much of it is also badly paved and unmaintained; it also doesn’t help that Russians like to drink and drive.

2. Pan-American Highway, Alaska to Argentina

Be prepared for highway madness when driving the Pan-American Highway, and many memorial crosses. This iconic stretch of road covers two continents running from the north in Alaska down to the tip of South America, a total of 30,000 miles. Though the terrain is difficult, with jungles, mountains and desert to contend with, the main hazard is that people are aggressive and crazy drivers, especially in Peru.

3. U.S. Route 431, USA, Alabama

U.S Highway 431, a seemingly inconspicuous 353-mile stretch of road running from Alabama to Tennessee, is commonly referred to as the ‘Highway to Hell’.  It has been noted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the deadliest roads in America. Known for its high speeds, poor visibility and sudden lane changes, this deadly road has numerous white crosses to remember those who have lost their lives.

4. Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand

Across the ditch in the South Island of New Zealand, Skippers Canyon Road is a 26 km narrow gravel road that used to be a gold mining track. It’s incredibly scenic, but that’s where the good stuff ends. Because it’s so narrow there’s only room for one car, so if you meet anyone coming the other way one of you has to back up.  I could be a case of backing up to 3 km before the road is wide enough to pass. Rental car companies refuse to cover people that drive on this road.

5. The Barton Highway, Australia

Last but not least, Australia has its own deadly road, the Barton Highway in Giralong, Canberra. Voted the worst road in NSW, Barton is dangerous more because of the drivers that use it than the road itself. As it’s usually congested, people get impatient so expect to see speeding, crazy overtaking manoeuvers and swerving from lane to lane. At least four accidents a month happen on the road according to the Canberra Times.