Most commuters grumble about the traffic and road conditions during rush hour. However, the road conditions in the United States are pretty tame when compared to some of the dangerous roads worldwide. The next time you’re complaining about traffic in New Jersey, think about the people who travel these roads:
Vitim River Bridge, Siberia
With its decaying wood encased in slippery ice, this Siberian bridge looks as frightening as it sounds. The rickety structure receives little traffic because residents opt for the nearby modern alternative. However, the one-car-wide bridge is still a legal road in the country!
Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand
The rugged terrain of New Zealand makes many of the roads challenging to navigate. However, even natives of the island nation must obtain a permit to drive the treacherous hand-carved path. For 140-plus years this has been one of the most scenic and dangerous roads in New Zealand.
Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
Constructed by villagers in the Taihang Mountains, this chiseled tunnel road is a popular tourist attraction thanks to the spectacular views from multiple “windows.”
Commonwealth Avenue, Philippines
Unlike the previous roads, this entry is located in urban Quezon City, home to almost 3 million people. The “Killer Highway” is a 7.5-mile stretch of 18 lanes of traffic where thousands of victims die or are seriously injured every year. Accidents involving pedestrians, motorbikes and flooding are common.
Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
Completed in 1986, Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan and China at an incredible 15,000-plus feet above sea level! The 800-mile route was once part of the Silk Road. Also known as the “Friendship Highway” or “KKH,” the road is paved only on the Chinese side and the entire system is prone to horrendous natural conditions, including landslides.
North Yungas Road, Bolivia
Hundreds of travelers die annually along the “Road of Death” in Bolivia. The narrow passageway has no railings to protect vehicles from the long drop to the valley below.
Rodovia de Morte (BR-116), Brazil
This government highway BR-116 extends loosely along the coastline of Brazil and has been nicknamed the “Highway of Death,” in part due to the steep cliffs and the conditions when torrential storms strike the region. Poverty-stricken gangs create additional hazards along the 2,700-mile highway.
The road conditions in New Jersey might not be as extreme as on the world’s most dangerous roads, but accidents still happen. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, including a drunken driving crash, Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC can help you.