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These are the most terrifying roads in the world

by Carl Pettit on Aug 1, 2017, 10:59 AM

Yungas RoadAvalanches and smaller rock falls, tortuous turns, poor road upkeep, dizzying heights, gorgeous but distracting scenery, sleep-deprived drivers, and incredible elevation gains are just some of the trials that await motorists on these stunningly beautiful yet hazardous roads.

While driverless cars are the coming trend—with robotic vehicles set to save thousands upon thousands of lives every year—we haven’t made the shift just yet. And with plenty of careless drivers still on the roads, driving is as dangerous as it’s ever been.

Even worse, perhaps, is the fact that terrible roads still exist, which makes getting from A to B for some motorists (depending on where they live) a truly harrowing experience. Driving along one of these roads can be a risky proposition, to say the least … or even an act of bravery.

Check out the terrifying photos below:

SEE ALSO: 17 stunning roads in the US you should drive before you die

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North Yungas Road, Bolivia

Bolivia is a country where people literally pray for four-wheel-drive vehicles to tackle the less-than-stellar roads.

North Yungas Road, known as El Camino de la Muerte (Death Road), offers thrills, and yes, a high likelihood of death for cyclists and motorists who brave its terrifying elevation drop. After leaving the capital La Paz and an initial ascent up to La Cumbre Pass, the track, cut out of the Cordillera Oriental mountain range, plummets down to the town of Coroico. We’d say it’s a “death-defying journey,” but to be honest, the odds of survival don’t look great.

INSIDER TIP: It’s a single-lane road, and uphill drivers always have the right of way, so be vigilant, and prepared to break often when descending.



Los Caracoles Road, Chile

In the Andes Mountains, in an expanse linking Argentina with Chile, international motorists will come across the Paso (pass) Internacional Los Libertadores, and a steep chunk of the road on the Chilean side affectionately called Los Caracoles (The Snails).

It’s a sheer, paved road, often bottlenecked with traffic due to rough mountain weather, as well as a ton of vertically exposed, tight switchbacks. The road leads up to (or down from, depending on your perspective) the Túnel Cristo Redentor (Tunnel of Christ the Redeemer), which links the two borders.

INSIDER TIP: Extra food, water, and snow gear (for you and your vehicle) are recommended in case you have to spend more time on the pass than originally planned.



Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China

Apart from the political hassles (for foreigners) of obtaining permission to drive from China’s Sichuan Province into the Tibet Autonomous Region, driving enthusiasts who do manage to get permission or circumvent the rules (not advised) will still have to tackle the formidable Sichuan-Tibet Highway, which is part of the even longer 318 State Highway.

Avalanches and smaller rock falls, tortuous turns, poor road upkeep, dizzying heights, gorgeous but distracting scenery, sleep-deprived drivers, and incredible elevation gains are just some of the trials that await motorists on this stunningly beautiful yet hazardous road.

INSIDER TIP: Check with local travel agencies to see if foreigners are allowed on the road without a Chinese guide or as part of an official tour, as the rules are subject to change.

 



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