Where are the world's most dangerous roads and could you drive them?

Here are five of the most dangerous roads in the world

As regular small talk goes, 'the state of the UK's roads' is probably up there with 'the weather' and 'cream or jam first'.

While a new pothole, lack of parking spaces, or an unexpected deer usually gives us Brits enough to complain about, spare a thought for those who face real challenges just popping out for milk.

From treacherous terrains to accident blackspots, we've scoured the world to find some of the deadliest highways out there - and frankly, we wouldn't want to drive any of them ourselves.

 But are you brave enough?

North Yungas Road, Bolivia

Ever heard of the road nicknamed 'Death Road'? One glance at this 80km winding track and you'll understand why its earned this name.

Cut into the Andes in the 1930s by Paraguayan prisoners, this nail-biting route is just 3.5m wide - with solid rock on one side and a stomach-churning 600m drop on the other.

As you navigate the steep slopes, you'll notice there's not a guardrail in sight on this unpaved single track - so you'll need nerves of steel.

To make matters worse, warm Amazon winds create heavy rain and thick fog, turning the journey into an obstacle course of mudslides, falling rocks, and surprise waterfalls.

Unlike the rest of Bolivia, drivers here stick to the left. This lets them keep a close eye on how far their wheels are from the edge.

And no, it’s not one way traffic. Heading downhill? You'll need to move to the cliff edge to let oncoming traffic pass.

Despite these driving rules, North Yungas Road claimed nearly 300 lives every year until improvement works began in 1994. To put that in perspective, the entire UK averages 1,770 road deaths annually. No wonder it earned its chilling nickname.

The Atlantic Highway, Norway

No, not the stunning route in the south west of England – we're talking about something arguably even more spectacular.

The Atlanterhavsvegen (that's a mouthful, right?) is Norway's breathtaking answer to the question "how do we cross all this water?" A stunning sequence of 7 bridges stretching 8.3km between Molde and Kristiansund, this coastal marvel offers some of the most jaw-dropping views you'll ever see.

These aren't just any bridges though. They swoop and arch over the mighty Atlantic like concrete dolphins, earning them the impressive title of 'Norwegian Construction of the Century'.

Originally dreamed up as a railway in the early 1900s, the idea was shelved until the 1970s when highway plans took over. Construction kicked off in 1983 and wrapped up in just 6 years, with the first lucky drivers cruising its curves on July 7, 1989.

But don't get too lost in the scenery - Mother Nature has a flair for the dramatic here.

Sunshine can switch to snowfall faster than you can say "Atlanterhavsvegen," with visibility dropping as you navigate those twists and sharp bends.

The real show-stopper, though? The wind. Hitting speeds of 30mph, it whips the sea into a proper temper tantrum.

And yes, those waves can actually reach the road - sometimes completely swallowing cars in salty spray. So, if you're tackling this beauty during stormy weather, keep those windows firmly shut... unless you fancy a free (if slightly aggressive) car wash.

Guoliang Tunnel Pass, China

What can 4,000 hammers, 12 tonnes of steel, 5 years, 13 villagers, and an incredible amount of determination create?

The Guoliang Tunnel Pass, that’s what.

This narrow mountain pass, connecting the remote village of Guoliang with the outside world, has transformed from a survival necessity into a white-knuckle tourist attraction since its completion in 1977.

Before the tunnel, villagers could only reach civilization via the "Sky Ladder" - a series of terrifyingly steep steps cut into the mountainside. The loose rocks and worn steps weren't just exhausting - they were downright dangerous.

So, in 1972, tribal chief Shen Mingxin had enough. Armed with basic tools and sheer willpower, he and 12 villagers began carving a tunnel through the solid mountain. Five years (and sadly, several lost lives) later, on March 1, 1977, the tunnel officially opened.

The villagers finally had easier access to the outside world - but little did they know their engineering marvel would catch global attention. Today, this remote spot hosts hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, bringing much-needed income and better access to food, technology, and healthcare.

Fancy driving the 1.2km tunnel yourself? Choose your vehicle wisely - at just 4m wide, your big boxy SUV might not squeeze through. The road twists, turns, and dips without warning, with barely enough room for two small cars to pass.

This is where small cars like the new electric Renault 5 or the ever-popular Fiat 500 really shine, zipping through tight spaces with the kind of confidence that'd make a sardine jealous.

Look out for the 'windows' carved along the route, offering breathtaking mountain views. Just don't get too distracted!

And remember: confidence in reverse is essential for this journey. This might be one road where your lease car's parking sensors really earn their keep.

Kemaliye Tas Yolu, Turkey

Tucked away in Eastern Anatolia, the Stone Road of Kemaliye connects the Ilic and Erzincan Provinces and puts even the most confident drivers to the test.

Like the Guoliang Tunnel, local residents carved this pass using basic tools - but that's where the similarities end.

Starting in 1870, this epic project took a staggering 132 years to complete. Initially just a footpath, it's gradually widened to allow vehicles - though at just 2m wide, you'd struggle to squeeze a 4x4 through without holding your breath.

The 7km journey along this nail-biting route would certainly satisfy adrenalin seekers. With 400-500m rocky cliffs on both sides, you'll wind your way along the spectacular Karanlik Kanyon (Dark Canyon) through 38 tunnels, navigating hair-raising bends and dizzying drops.

Planning to put your driving skills to the test here? Forget showing off your acceleration - this is definitely a crawl-at-a-snail's-pace kind of road if you value your vehicle and your life.

With large gaps in the surface, zero guardrails, and sharp blind corners, this isn't the place to channel your inner Lewis Hamilton.

BR-116, Brazil

Don't let the boring numbering fool you – this highway has earned a far more chilling local nickname: 'Rodovia da Morte' (Death Road).

This mammoth 4,385km coastal highway didn't get its grim title by accident.

Speaking of accidents, they're so common along this route that locals barely bat an eyelid at multiple collisions a day, especially on the notorious stretch between Curitiba and São Paulo where fatal crashes are alarmingly frequent.

But what makes it so treacherous?

For starters, the unpredictable weather conditions regularly turn visibility to zero and transform the road surface into something resembling an ice rink.

As one of Brazil's main arteries, it's constantly busy with exhausted, overworked truckers pushing to meet deadlines. Throw in unpaved sections running along steep cliff edges, and you've got all the ingredients for disaster.

But there's an even darker side to BR-116 that's less discussed yet far more disturbing. 'Dark underbelly' doesn't begin to cover it – this highway is known for serious criminal activity, particularly child exploitation.

Authorities have identified 262 spots along the route used for child trafficking, an issue largely overlooked by Brazilian officials.

From Bolivia's infamous "Death Road" to Brazil's crime-ridden highway, these five roads represent the extremes of what driving can mean around the world.

While we might grumble about speed cameras, congestion, or the occasional pothole on British roads, these international nightmares put our daily commutes into sharp perspective.

Next time you're stuck in traffic on the M25 or navigating a particularly nasty roundabout, take a moment to appreciate the relative safety of UK roads.

After all, the biggest danger you're likely to face is someone cutting you off at the Starbucks drive-thru – not a 600-meter cliff drop, or a tsunami-sized wave crashing over your bonnet.

Image credits:

• Yungas Road North (WMDR), © 2019 psamathe.net
• BR-116, DAR7 e Eloy Olindo Setti