This article was originally published on TheFunPost
When's the last time you had a close call while driving? That moment when the world slows down as you suddenly realize that you're seconds away from the worst collision of your life. At the last moment, you manage to pull away or stop, and as your heart beats faster than you ever thought it could you take a moment to give thanks that you avoided what was almost the worst moment of your life. Well, we promise you, that whatever road you were on when that happened, it wasn't nearly as dangerous as even the safest road on this list! Whether you're a risk-taker, or enjoy playing life on the safer side, these roads are a worldwide must-see. Hold on tight when you get to the last one - the world's deadliest road is every driver's worst nightmare!
#36 Kuandinsky Bridge, Siberia
There are plenty of bridges that people drive on each day. Some of them make you question their stability, but that doesn't stop people from using them. Take the Kuandinsky Bridge in Siberia. This thing barely qualifies as a bridge with its jagged wood and rusty metal pieces.
The Kuandinsky Bridge should have been closed decades ago because it lacks any kind of safety precaution. Only 35 people have successfully crossed the bridge, and we do not want to think about what happened to all the others. We hope it is not a vital road for anyone.
#35 Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
China is not only a tourist hotspot, but it is also home to over one billion people. Although it is a crowded country with many cars, there are still plenty of dangerous roads that people should avoid at all costs. One of the scariest roads is the Guoliang Tunnel Road.
Not only does this death trap have zero guard rails, but it is also has a 2,00-foot drop, and it is usually covered in fog and mud. Add all these things together, and you get a recipe for disaster. Unsurprisingly, this isn't the only hazardous road in China.
#34 Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan
Fairy Meadows Road in Pakistan has a deceptive name because it is far from the fairytale that it paints. There are zero meadows and fairies along the six-mile stretch of rocky road. Many advise that tourists should avoid the drive because you have to know the region to handle it.
The treacherous roadway might have beautiful views of the mountains surrounding it, but there are zero safety regulations like guardrails or pavement. The loose gravel is slippery even on a good day, and there is always the possibility of falling off the edge.
#33 Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its sprawling nature scenes, made popular in the Lord of the Rings series. Despite the beautiful views, there are plenty of perilous roads. The most dangerous in the country is Skippers Canyon Road. As you can see - no guard rail.
Why do people think it is safe to drive on a dirt road that is way too narrow and doesn't have a barrier between your car and the cliff? With every twist and turn, you never know when a car is going to tip over and tumble down the steep drop-off.
#32 Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
When you look at this engineering marvel, it is incredible how the Atlantic Ocean Road connects five miles of islands between two parts of Norway. Driving down this scenic road would be a dream for most, but at times, it is not the safest place to be.
Constructed in the '80s, the Atlantic Ocean road has rocks, cliffs, and water at every twist and turn. While it may look safer than many of the roads on this list, it still seems like danger is just around the corner. It is not a drive for the faint of heart.
#31 Highway 80, Iraq
Otherwise known as the "Highway of Death," Highway 80 in Iraq travels from Kuwait City to Basra, and there have been numerous attacks on Iraqi tanks and trucks by US troops. It is littered with car parts that were blown up during Iraq's many wars.
During the peak of the 1991 conflict, between 200 to 1,000 people were killed along this stretch of road. The graveyard of vehicles is a sad reminder of the dangers of the highway. Although it is not as dangerous today, Iraq still faces the effects of war from throughout the last decades.
#30 Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road, China
There are many mountains in China with winding roads up to the top, but they aren't the safest drive. The Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road is possibly one of the most twisting roads globally, and it reaches 3,000 feet in less than six miles. Built along the National Park of Tianmen Mountain, it is one scary drive.
Plenty of daredevil tourists and locals try to drive to the top, but there is a much safer way to get there. There is a cable car that takes people to the top of the mountain so that you can see the entire road from above. The cable car is also the world's longest as well.
#29 North Yungas Road, Bolivia
North Yungas Road, otherwise known as El Camino de la Muerta or "The Road of Death," is one of the most notoriously dangerous roads in the world. The 50-mile long road is on the bucket list of many adrenaline junkies, but they must know the risks before traveling here.
Over 300 people have lost their lives on this road since 1994. Despite trying to make it safer, many busses and trucks have fallen off the edge. Despite its dangers, around 25,000 tourists visit the area annually. Those people must love looking death right in the eye.
#27 Karnali Highway, Nepal
Right away, you can see how hazardous the Karnali Highway looks. This one-lane unpaved and rocky road is one that should be avoided at all costs. Those trucks look like they will tip over at any moment, and we do not want to be around to see that.
Built along the base of Mount Everest, drivers have to navigate the bumpy hills and treacherous turns. The local authorities advise people not to drive along Karnali Highway once the sun sets because visibility is low on this already dangerous path.
#28 James Dalton Highway, Alaska
Many people forget that Alaska has so many beautiful places to see, especially during the winter months. With most of the land uninhabited, you have to take long roads to reach key destinations throughout the state. James Dalton Highway is one of the many in Alaska, but people try to avoid it.
The James Dalton Highway spans a staggering 414 miles. It quickly gets covered in snow during the winter, and the remoteness makes it hard for drivers to get help if they have an emergency. People could wait hours before another car passes by, and by then it could be too late.
#26 Taroko Gorge Road, Taiwan
It seems that the most dangerous roads attract more people than usual because everyone wants to see the danger with their own eyes. The Taroko Gorge Road in Taiwan is the country's most dangerous road because of all its turns and narrow bends.
People come from all over to hike and bike along this road, but many stretches are extremely hazardous with extreme weather. During the rainy season, monsoons cause rock slides that take out sections of the Taroko Gorge Road. It wouldn't be wise to travel here.
#25 Passage du Gois, France
If you ever wanted to test your driving skills, take a trip to France, where they have plenty of unique roadways like the Passage du Gios. To get to the island of Noirmoutier, you have to travel along this 3-mile path.
Twice a day, the high tide floods the road causing it to be underwater for most of the day. Local authorities block the road, so cars don't get stranded. If you have to travel along the Passage du Gios, check the tides or bring a bathing suit.
#24 Kahekili Highway, Hawaii
Most people think of paradise when they think of Hawaii. With its white-sand beaches and crystal clear water, what could possibly be a downfall for these tropical islands? However, throughout the islands, there are plenty of unstable windy roads that people should avoid at all costs.
The Kahekili Highway is just one long lane that has many twists and turns along steep cliffs. Many bikers use the road every day, as they look to turn their morning bike ride into an adrenaline-filled experience. The only upside is that the road was recently repaved, so there are fewer bumps along the way.
#23 Cotopaxi Volcano Road, Ecuador
Any road that is near an active volcano is probably not the place you want to be. The Cotopaxi Volcano Road is a way for most Ecuadorians to get to and from work, and they must wonder when it is going to erupt, so they don't have to go to work.
As you drive along this scenic road, you have the constant fear of hot lava flowing onto the road, but maybe people like that risk. On top of the looming explosion, there are also plenty of potholes to pop a tire or cause accidents.
#22 Commonwealth Avenue, Philippines
The Philippines has gained the reputation of being one of the most dangerous countries to drive in, and Commonwealth Avenue is only backing up those claims. Nicknamed "The Highway of Death," Commonwealth Avenue is dangerous for reasons unlike the others on this list.
Commonwealth Avenue is a long flat stretch of highway that does not border cliffs or sharp turns. However, it does have a whopping 18 lanes where people weave in and out, causing about five accidents per day. It is always packed with cars, and is not a place you want to be driving.
#21 Patiopoulo-Perdikaki Road, Greece
The Patiopoulo-Perdikaki Road in Greece spans about 13 miles, and it is one of the most challenging roads to drive on in the country. Locals usually advise tourists to avoid this road because of its hazards and the goats that often block the path.
During heavy rains, the unpaved road becomes slippery, and there aren't guard rails. It is full of potholes and needs some serious updates for people to travel along it safely. It is even tricky for hikers because of slippery conditions.
#20 BR-116, Brazil
In Brazil, they also have a "Highway of Death" or the BR-116. This highway passes through various mountain ranges and stretches for thousands of miles. Although it is one of the longest highways in the country, it is not dangerous for the reasons you would assume.
BR-116 hasn't been properly maintained throughout the years, so the road conditions aren't the best. Also, corrupt police and violent gangs are waiting at almost every turn for naive tourists. It is challenging to get from point A to point B on this roadway.
#19 Col de Turini, France
While there are plenty of winding roads on this list, the Col de Turini has the most accurate name because it is full of frightening twists and tight turns. The road is famous for being used during the Rally of Monte Carlo, which means people are racing around these dangerous turns.
If you assumed that there are plenty of accidents along these tight bends in the road, you are correct. Although it offers gorgeous views of the landscape, it wouldn't be smart to drive along the Col de Turini in poor weather.
#18 Gorges du Dades, Morocco
There is nothing like driving through a desert, seeing all of the marvelous landscape. However, it doesn't come without its dangers. The Gorges du Dades in Morocco is a winding road through one of the many desert canyons full of tight bends.
The road itself is not that dangerous if you follow the speed limits and drive with caution. Gorges du Dades made our list because reckless locals often race up and down this road causing trouble for other drivers. If you take this road, watch out for careless speeders.
#17 Ruta 40, Argentina
Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, and there is a lot of land to cover if you are planning to tour this beautiful country. To get to most key locations, people have to use Ruta 40, which is not the safest, but it is necessary.
Ruta 40 stretches across 3,100 miles of Argentina from the north to the south. You'd think a road as essential as this one would be kept in pristine condition but it has many unpaved portions, easily causing accidents or flat tires. If you have to take this road, know how to change a tire.
#16 Karakoram Highway, Pakistan/China
This highway might look beautiful, but it has a sad history behind it. The Karakoram Highway connecting Pakistan and China is 800 miles long and took 27 years to construct. Throughout the construction period, 892 people lost their lives before it was even complete.
Not only is the road surrounded by mountains, but it is also prone to landslides, avalanches, and extreme snow. If you have to travel from one country to another, it would be much safer to fly. Roadtrips are only fun if you know you will make it to your destination safely.
#15 Col du Chaussy, France
The Col du Chaussy is another winding road that offers some of France's most beautiful landscape views. There are plenty of blind twists and turns for people to fear while taking in the scenery, but people should proceed with caution.
To take this road on you have to follow precautions because one wrong move and you can fall hundreds of feet off the cliffs. After too many accidents, authorities got the road paved to help make it safer for travelers.
#14 Stelvio Pass, Italy
There are so many beautiful places to see in Italy, and to get to those destinations you might have to travel along some crazy roads. For example, the Stelvio Pass is one mountainside roadway that would scare off most drivers.
Along the Italian Alps, this winding road hugs the mountainside to guide drivers to the top of the range. As you can see, the drive is complicated, and drivers are advised to avoid this road during snowy or icy conditions for obvious reasons.
#13 San Juan Skyway, Colorado
San Juan Skyway or The Million Dollar Highway is one of Colorado's most picturesque roads, but it doesn't come without its dangers. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, the San Juan Skyway can be tricky even in the best conditions.
There are many parts without barriers, and people have skidded into a ditch because of the icy conditions. One wrong turn and drivers could have a serious accident. Also, it is poorly lit, so drivers are advised to avoid this roadway at night.
#12 Kolyma Highway & Lena Highway, Russia
Kolyma Highway and Lena Highway in Russia got the nickname "Road of Bones" for a sad reason. The unpaved dirt road that stretches nearly two thousand miles is a perilous way to get to Siberia. With ice and mud, the Russian terrain is not one you want to get stuck on.
These highways pass through one of the coldest regions on the planet, which means the driving conditions are already risky; a risk that is doubled with the lack of upkeep on the road. The road has taken many lives over the years, and it is best to avoid it.
#11 Strada Delle 52 Gallerie (Pasubio), Italy
Strada Delle 53 Gallerie translates to "road of 52 tunnels," so you should know what to expect when taking this roadway. No matter what time of year it is, this pre World War I passageway comes with many dangers for drivers.
Today, most people avoid driving on the road, but bikers try it as a challenge. Some parts aren't paved, so there are plenty of ways to test your skills. Most people recommend taking a different roadway because some parts don't even allow cars to pass.
#10 Killar to Pangi Road via Kishtwar, India
Just looking at the photos of this road makes us want to hold on for dear life. India's Killar to Pangi Road is only open during the summer because those are the safest conditions. However, even then, the rocky roadway has many narrow stretches without guard rails.
The loose gravel roads only allow for one car to pass at certain points, and even the safest drivers could end up tumbling to the bottom of the mountain. Just watching people drive along the road would give anyone second-hand anxiety.
#9 Luxor-al-Hurghada Road, Egypt
Although it is not along a rocky mountain and doesn't have twists and turns, Egypt's Luxor-al-Hurghada road is dangerous for all sorts of reasons. As drivers pass through the desert, they have to worry about potholes and narrow stretches.
Along many stretches of the Luxor-al-Hurghada, thieves are waiting for the right opportunity. Many locals will turn their headlights off to pass through unnoticed, but this cause other risks. Without headlights, people can't see other cars on the road.
#8 A726, Scotland
When you see the A726 highway in Scotland, you might wonder why it is considered dangerous. It is paved, flat, and there doesn't seem to be any impending doom ahead. However, there have been many accidents along this road because of blind turns along the highway.
People think that it's the picturesque landscape of Scotland's countryside that distracts drivers from the road causing them to make head-on collisions. Also, its smooth surface causes people to drive faster while they are distracted.
#7 Arica to Iquique Road (Ruta Nacional 5), Chile
Most of Chile's Highway 5 has been paved and rebuilt for safety reasons, but there are still some dangerous stretches between Arica and Iquique. On a clear day, people can take in the country's glorious views, but that doesn't come without distractions.
As people drive along the scenic route, they often exceed the 62 miles per hour speed limit, causing some nasty collisions. With only two lanes, the narrow roadway is littered with car parts from previous crashes reminding drivers of the hazards along the way.
#6 Route 431 (Highway to Hell), Alabama
"I'm on my way to the promised land; I'm on the highway to hell." This is probably playing in every car as they drive down Route 431 in Alabama. Locals refer to this road as "Highway to Hell" because of the memorial signs lining the road to remind people of previous fatal accidents.
Although it may look like a safe place to drive, reckless people will speed and try to pass other cars on the two-lane roadway. You can find sad warning signs of why it is important to drive safely from north to south.
#5 Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China
China is notorious for its winding roads the span thousands of miles and lack safety precautions. The Sichuan-Tibet Highway is one of these roads with treacherous turns and dangerous cliffs, which is why it is one of the most perilous.
The rocky mountains surrounding the road are prone to avalanches and rockslides, putting drivers at risk. The road was constructed in the '50s and has yet to be updated to meet modern safety standards. For about every 1,000 people, there are 75 deaths caused by this road.
#4 A683, England
The A683 in England is perfectly paved and looks like any other safe highway worldwide; however, looks can be deceiving. Despite its flat layout, guard rails, and lack of potholes, the A683 is still one of the most dangerous in the country.
Each year the number of fatal accidents increases and the long winding roads cause problems for drivers. From cows crossing to getting distracted by the sprawling plains, there are plenty of accidents on this highway.
#3 Zoji La Pass, India
If you were on a bus and started to drive along this road, would you be praying for your life? Because we would! The Zoji La Pass in India is one of the most treacherous-looking roads without guardrails or safety precautions.
The road is poorly built along the Himalayas, but many locals have to use it to commute to and from work. We would think about switching jobs or relocating to avoid possible death every day. How are so many people calmly driving on the edge of that cliff?
#2 Halsema Highway, Philippines
The Philippines is known for its hazardous driving conditions, and one of the many risky roads is the Halsema Highway. This road is particularly dangerous because it has not been well maintained since its construction.
Throughout the years, there have been many landslides, and it requires maintenance. However, people travel along this road because it is the only way to get to the famous Sagada site. Each year at least one or two busses fall off the highway.
#1 Kabul-Jalalabad Highway, Afghanistan
The Kabul-Jalalabad Highway in Afghanistan is one of the longest roads in the country and the most dangerous. There are rocky cliffs and piles of rubble at every turn, but it is usually packed with traffic. Unfortunately, some people have no choice but to use this road.
Like many dangerous roads on this list, the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway has no guardrails to help people travel safely along the cliffs. Rock collapses are known to occur along the way, and once a car falls, it's staying down there.