There are certain qualities which make a road dangerous. Drivers might have to endure limited visibility, or navigate a series of twists and turns. There might be deceptive inclines, or sharp and sudden declines that can take an experienced driver by surprise.
In cases where the weather is adverse, or the road in question is difficult for emergency services to reach, then any given collision can be made more dangerous.
What makes roads dangerous for drivers?
To give your car the best possible chance of navigating these routes, you’ll want to ensure that it is adequately prepared. Swapping all-purpose tyres out for specialised winter tyres can be invaluable. But more generally, it’s a good idea to limit your speed and to make sure that your car is in good condition before setting out. Check the Met Office for any severe weather warnings, and delay your trip until the conditions are more favourable. Better to be safe than sorry!
What are the most dangerous roads in the UK?
So, which roads might we count among the most dangerous in the UK?
Kirkstone Pass
You’ll find this little stretch of the A592 at the very top of the Lake District. It’ll take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country – and this is a cause of major distraction that arguably makes the road even more deadly.
A496, Snowdonia
The section of this road that adjoins Llanelltyd and Blaenau Ffestiniog is twisting and winding in all the ways that make for a very dangerous road. Approach with extreme caution.
Snake Pass
Slithering its way through the Pennines is Snake Pass, which first opened back in 1921. It links the Ladybower Reservoir in Asopton with nearby Glossop. Part of the reason that this part of the country is so dangerous is its natural vulnerability to snow and icy conditions. There’s a weight limit now in place, to reduce the risk of landslips.
Cat and Fiddle Road
Among the most notorious sections of road in the UK is the Cat and Fiddle road between Macclesfield and Buxton, which takes its name from the Inn that sits atop a steep hill in the middle of the Peak District. It’s a difficult drive – and one that should under no circumstances be attempted after having even a small amount of alcohol at the establishment in question.
Rosedale Chimney Bank
This particular road is a little bit more notorious among cyclists than it is among motorists. It’s among the steepest roads anywhere in the country, with an incline of thirteen percent. Be prepared to have the engine strain on the way up – and to apply the brakes generously on the way down.