There are roads around the globe that have proven to be a motorist’s nightmare. Still these are the roads that excite and invigorate racers and thrill seekers by their very nature. Let us review nineteen of the most treacherous thoroughfares know to man.

1. The Col De Turini

The Col de Turini in France is Mountain pass situated in the French Alps. It is easily the most dangerous stage of the Monte Carlo Rally held there annually. It combines over thirty-four hairpin curves with straight-aways that allow drivers to attain speed upwards of 100kph. As if this was not the adrenaline rush of the century you end up between a raging river and a steep rock wall, this is also inside a deep gorge. Any slips on this track could mean certain death.

2. Stelvio Pass Road

Italy’s Stelvio Pass Road that connects Valtellina Merano with the upper Adige Valley is another such pass. It is 1.7 miles above sea level making altitude sickness a real possibility for a lot of motorists. The forty-eight hairpin curves require nothing less than you undivided attention. It is also the second highest paved pass in all of the Alps.

3. The Leh-Manali

In India we find the Leh-Manali that spans a length of 297 miles among the Himalayan Mountains. This road passes through some of the world highest mountains at a breathtaking altitude of between 2-3 miles above sea level. The most interesting fact about this road is that it was built and is maintained by the Indian Army.

4. El Camino De la Muerte

The El Camino de la Muerte or “Road of Death” is a 43 mile road connecting La Paz and Coricio in Bolivia. The single lane width and extreme drop offs only add to the danger not to mention the lack of guardrails. The old North Yungas Road has become a Mecca for adventure bikers seeking a quick brush with death.
5. The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange

Los Angeles has its share of monstrous traffic but it also boasts one of the most dangerous interchanges in the United States. The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange is dangerous because of its complexity. Opened in 1993 It is a four level interchange that also has a dedicated lane for high occupancy vehicles.

6. Puix Viaduct in Shanghai

By contrast the Puix Viaduct in Shanghai does have the same intricate design without all the apparent traffic snarls of its American counterpart.

7. The Lena Highway

Known as the “Highway from Hell”, the Lena Highway in Russia runs parallel to the river Lena on its way into Yakutsk. The road only becomes impassable in the summertime as the rains make it a veritable slush pit. It is the only road to Yakutsk which keeps the traffic flow heavy.

8. Gravelly Hill Interchange

Rightfully nicknamed “Spaghetti Junction” Gravelly Hill Interchange in Birmingham, UK is the 6th Junction of the M6 motorway. Spanning over 30acres the junction serves 18 routes. It is easily the most complex road in the United Kingdom.

9. The Russian-Georgian Mountain Road

When not covered in thick sheets of snow the mud makes the Russian-Georgian Mountain road its own brand of torture. The locals don’t seem to have as many problems on it as the unwary tourists. It is situated in the Caucasus Mountains these roads are mostly driven by the Russian military and is a strategic point for both Russia and Georgia.

10. Guoliang Tunnel Road

China’s Guoliang Tunnel Road in the wondrous Taihang mountains were built by 13 local villagers’ and their chief and only took an astonishing five years to complete. Located in the Henan Province it has been dubbed “the road that does not tolerate mistakes” none the less it is extremely scenic and most accidents are the fault of the neglectful traveler.

11. Taroko Gorge Road

Made in Taiwan can be added to the 11th road on our complex and dangerous list. The Taroko Gorge Road was made by carving out pure rock like china’s monster tunnel. It is used primarily to transport the marble from the quarries in the country side.

12. The Pasubio

Hiking and biking is about the only forms of transportation that can traverse the narrow and slippery roads of the Pasubio in Northern Italy. There are cars that can careen along these, dare I say it paths, but they are very, very small cars indeed. The draw is the stunning scenery that can e viewed from the spanning cliff faces that this ancient paths winds steadily up.

13. Halsema Highway

The Halsema Highway in the Philippines runs through the Central Corillera Valley. This road is 150 miles long and is mostly hard packed earth. The narrow width and step cliffs make it almost impassable in the rainy season. Add to that the fact that there are no guardrails and it is prone to major rock slides and traveling this road might just be a death wish.  It is most definitely not for the timid and fearful.

14. The Trollstigen Road

If you are planning a visit to Norway you will be able to test your mettle on the Trollstigen road which is a series of meandering roads with resplendent views of the few waterfalls in the countryside. At the top there is actually a viewing gallery which overlooks the road and the Stigfossen Waterfall.

15. Los Caracoles Pass

The road way that passes through the Andreas Mountains, Los Caracoles Pass is a series of hard switchbacks on an extreme incline. It is covered in snow for the better part of the year and requires much patience and skill navigate. If cargo trucks and double-Decker tourist buses can make this trip why shouldn’t you.

16. The El Espinazo Del Diablo

Now we head to Mexico for a trip along the road called El Espinazo Del Diablo or in English “the devils backbone” is a treacherous mountain pass in Durango. For a time it was the only road from Durango to Mazatlan. Although the road is exceptionally maintained there are hazards to be found in spades. The curves are so tight as to hinder any thought to two way traffic. With all its pitfalls the stunning rock formations and lush green vistas make every inch of the drive breath taking.

17. The Lysebotn road

Last on this list is the Lysebotn road in Norway. It has hiking trails that stretch out along its path and by all accounts is fun to drive. Some have even suggested that it is the most breath taking place in all of Europe. The last 30 km is like a rollercoaster, it is narrow but has a perfectly smooth surface, and this road was made for the motorcyclists.

There you have it all the roads fraught with peril you could ever dream of. Make one your destination and stay safe while enjoying the views.