North Yungas Road in Bolivia
The North Yungas Road, located in Bolivia, has been recognized as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. This classification was made official in 1995, and it has since been referred to as the “Death Road” due to its high accident rate. The road stretches from La Paz, the world’s highest capital city situated in the Andes Mountains, to the town of Coroico. Notably, the road has a width of only three meters, while the Koriiko River flows 200 meters below.
The perilous nature of the 40-mile (approximately 64.37 km) stretch of road in northern Bolivia is attributed to its location on a steep cliff that rises 3,000 feet (914.4 meters). In addition to having sharp curves, the road is unpaved and lacks protective railings, with an overall width of just 3 meters.
Insights into North Yungas Road
Constructed in the 1930s by Paraguayan war prisoners, the North Yungas Road was intended to connect La Paz, Las Yungas, and the Amazon region. This notorious road was responsible for the deaths of approximately 300 individuals annually before a new road was opened in 2006. Due to its dangers, it was labeled the world’s most hazardous road in 1995. Despite its risks, many adventure enthusiasts visit this route, as adventure companies organize numerous excursions along its treacherous path, characterized by extremely cold or hot weather conditions.
It is important to note that this treacherous road is often enveloped in fog and rain. As travelers approach the semi-tropical areas of the Amazon jungle, the road shifts from asphalt to a dirt path, which becomes narrower and is often littered with gravel and mud.
The Most Dangerous Roads in the World
Globally, several roads are classified as exceedingly dangerous due to their high fatality rates. Some of the most perilous roads include:
- Sichuan Road: This road in China connects Tibet and Chengdu, and reports indicate a staggering death toll of 7,500 fatalities per 100,000 drivers traversing it. The high elevation, frequent landslides, and adverse weather conditions contribute to its perilous reputation.
- BR-116: Spanning from northern to southern Brazil, this extensive roadway is deemed hazardous due to numerous steep slopes, blind curves, and unstable weather conditions.
- National Highway 22: Located in India, this 459 km long road is recognized as one of the most dangerous routes worldwide. It is characterized by heavy traffic, narrow lanes, perilous gradients, a lack of bridges, and insufficient maintenance.