Put on Those Blinders

Driving is pretty scary in general—you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature and carefree motorists, forced into hyper-vigilance just to avoid an insurance claim. However, you’ll be begging for those winter roads over some of these treacherous paths. (Don’t worry, we cleanse the pallet with some safe roads, too.)

Jurgen from Netherlands on Wikimedia Commons

1. Stelvio Pass (Italy)

With roughly 60 hairpin turns along a narrow laneway, motorists love or hate this road. Some forgive the danger and remain in awe of the scenery while others prefer something a little less…stressful. If you’re willing to brave this demanding drive, you’ll need about an hour and a whole lot of prayer. 

Raul Taciu on Wikimedia Commons

2. Transfăgărășan (Romania)

Those with a penchant for mountainous terrain and spooky pitstops have more than enough to sink their teeth into. Drivers can nervously make their way around hairpin turns and through dark tunnels before stopping by Vlad the Impaler’s castle—the infamous prince who inspired Bram Stoker’s beloved novel.  

Pudelek on Wikimedia Commons

3. Fairy Meadows Road (Pakistan)

With such a whimsical name it’s hard to believe this was once ranked the second deadliest highway in the world. However, take one look and you’ll see exactly why it earned the title. Given the high altitude and treacherous terrain, it’s so dangerous that only locals can drive it. 

franek2 on Wikimedia Commons

4. Ibar Highway (Serbia)

State Road 22 has many nicknames, but “The Black Highway” is easily the most apt. At 185 miles, don’t be surprised to see sharp turns and hazardous conditions. It’s often recommended only to take it during the daytime as night driving is prone to accidents.  

BrankaVV on Wikimedia Commons

5. Zoji La (India)

Given that it’s basically a crumbling, dangerous road through the mountains, it makes sense that Zoji La is closed for half the year. Count your blessings, too, because the last thing you’d want is to venture through blizzards caught behind a surprising amount of traffic.  

Anwaraj on Wikimedia Commons

6. Skippers Canyon Road (New Zealand)

Attention, LOTR fans—keep your wits about you on Skippers Canyon Road. It’s a slender path riddled with warning signs and an alarming lack of guardrails, too narrow for even the average car. It’s so dangerous, in fact, that most rental companies specifically don’t allow their vehicles there and insurance companies often don’t cover you along the trail. 

Bernard Spragg on Wikimedia Commons

7. Yungas Road (Bolivia)

When something’s nicknamed “Death Road,” maybe avoid it. People don’t, however, and this famous path draws in crowds of tourists every year, mostly cyclists for whom the original road remains open. Motorists, on the other hand, are encouraged to take an alternative route—a wise choice considering the high number of driver casualties throughout the years. 

Alicia Nijdam on Wikimedia Commons

8. Sichuan-Tibet Highway (China)

Despite being littered with hairpin turns in dangerous conditions, this highway’s still dubbed “the most beautiful road to Tibet.” Bold motorists can venture through nearly 1,000 miles of road, fighting altitude headaches in the face of glaciers and sacred sites. 

oemaix on Wikimedia Commons

9. The Dalton Highway (Alaska)

Alaska may be filled with wildlife and the Northern lights, but it’s also home to a dangerous stretch of road. Dubbed the “loneliest road in the world,” it’s about 400 miles of hazardous conditions, so much so that motorists need to keep their headlights on at all times.

Scott McMurren on Wikimedia Commons

10. Kolyma Highway (Russia)

Also known as the “Road of Bones,” this highway was originally built by labor camp prisoners between 1932 and 1953. On top of its sad history, the area is also considered one of the coldest on the planet. Temperatures in the nearby city of Oymyakon plummet to −58 °F on average. 

Svetlana Ivanova on Wikimedia Commons

The good news is that drivers still have plenty of safe roads to travel, all without the risk of frostbite or plummeting off a cliffside. 

1. Norway

Not only is Norway notorious for road safety, but they’re also sticklers for rules. Common infractions like speeding or driving under the influence are heavily penalized, thereby ensuring the overall well-being of their motorists. The only time you may have an issue is during the winter.

Ximonic on Wikimedia Commons

2. Switzerland

So long as you aren’t careening through the Alps, Switzerland’s roads are some of the safest in the world. They have some of the lowest accident rates and speed limits are taken very seriously. However, if you’re interested in the scenic route, locals recommend a train ride to get the full experience. 

Thomas Woodtli on Wikimedia Commons

3. Netherlands

Filled with easy-to-read signs and courteous drivers, cruising through these roads is usually a breeze. While some complain about the constant cyclists, others don’t mind their presence, especially because bike lanes are quite large. 

Vincent van Zeijst on Wikimedia Commons

4. Iceland

Iceland’s wintery roads aren’t exactly the safest, but thanks to frequent tourism, roads here are better maintained than in other locations. Road safety is also taken quite seriously, meaning fewer accidents and fatalities. 

Jakub Hałun on Wikimedia Commons

5. Sweden

For years, Sweden has boasted some of the lowest fatality rates among motorists and it’s no different now, still touted as one of the safest countries for a cruise. Sweden also isn’t overrun with traffic, their roads are well-maintained, and drivers tend to be way calmer. 

W.carter on Wikimedia Commons

6. Denmark

Museums, castles, Legoland—with so much to do in Denmark, you’ll need a car to get around. Luckily, you won’t have anything to fear thanks to their cared-for roads and excellent conditions. Just be mindful of cyclists. 

Jeroen Komen on Wikimedia Commons

7. Singapore

Singapore is well-known for its overall safety, not just on the roads. That said, motorists here are lucky enough to experience some of the lowest fatality rates. The roads are also very well-maintained and the signs are nice and clear.

Jakub Hałun on Wikimedia Commons

8. Spain

Though some drivers leave much to be desired, the same can’t be said for Spain’s pristine streets. Thanks to well-marked roads and proper paving, even highway driving is better here than other popular tourist destinations.

Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) on Wikimedia Commons

9. United Kingdom

We know you’ve probably heard some unsavory rumors about UK driving, but it’s actually one of the safest countries in the world for motorists. That’s right—it has some of the lowest fatality rates across the board, despite all those cars and traffic jams. 

Partonez on Wikimedia Commons

10. Estonia

Considering its proximity to Sweden, it shouldn’t surprise you that Estonia also has great roads. They have pretty strict rules, too, and clamp down on those who neglect their seatbelts or don’t drive with their headlights on at all times. 

Diego Delso on Wikimedia Commons