Driving in Albania can be challenging at the best of times, with busy city routes and many poorly maintained roads, especially in rural and mountainous parts of the country. European route 762 is one of the country's most dangerous – with high traffic sections along its length and some narrow stretches. The international route stretches from Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through Montenegro, to Albania, heading towards its congested capital Tirana.
The unpaved road that snakes its way up Pic Blanc d’Envalira in Andorra is not for the faint-hearted, which is why it’s been identified as the principality’s most dangerous road. Leading to what is a popular hiking location in summer and ski resort in winter, the dizzying route is unpassable for most of the year and only accessible to 4x4 vehicles (also required: nerves of steel) when it is open. For those that do navigate it, the views are just reward.
The Inntal Autobahn (A12) slices through the stunning landscapes of Tyrol, but don’t be fooled by the scenic views – this stretch of motorway is one of Europe’s busiest and most congested roads. A key route for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) carrying cargo between Germany and Italy, it often experiences bottlenecks, especially around the Alpine crossings. To manage the chaos, the A12 has some strict rules in place, particularly for HGVs. Trucks over 7.5 tonnes face a night driving ban, while drivers of passenger cars also have to stick to 68 miles per hour (110 km/h) after dark, compared to the 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) allowed during the day.
Leading from Poland through Belarus and on to Russia, the M1 is one of the Eastern European country's main arteries and busiest roads. Horrendous traffic queues are typical at the international border with Poland, heightened by the intensifying migration crisis, with radars in place to slow traffic along the way. Road maintenance is a general issue in Belarus as is drivers using their mobile phone to talk or message. According to the RAC, the country's rural roads can also be hazardous as they can be poorly lit with ponies and traps still in use.
With a high traffic volume, including freight trucks, Belgium’s A54 from Nivelles to Charleroi in the Walloon region is one of the country’s most hazardous highways. So-called ghost drivers – motorists who take a wrong turn, causing them to drive against the normal flow of traffic – are one issue that has led to many road fatalities in the country. A system to combat this on the A54 was introduced a few years ago.
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The M18 road is reportedly the southwest European country’s most dangerous artery. Its reputation for danger stems from a combination of factors, including frequent two-lane sections that make overtaking risky, as well as poorly maintained surfaces riddled with potholes. Part of the European route E762, the M18 stretches through mountainous terrain, adding to the peril with its winding curves and unpredictable weather conditions.
State road D512 hugs Croatia’s dazzling Adriatic coastline, taking drivers breathtakingly close to the brilliant blue sea. It’s distractingly beautiful and is one of the country’s most dangerous drives because of high traffic volumes and its curving route. Stretching from Makarska to Ravča, south of Split, it can become clogged with cars in the summer months, adding to the dangers that include landfalls and distracted drivers.
According to data from the European Road Assessment Programme (EuroRAP), one of the most hazardous roads in Czechia is the I/11, which connects Žamberk in northeast Bohemia with Jablonec nad Orlicí and Červená Voda near the Polish border. This road is notorious for its high accident rate, especially in winter months when treacherous conditions like black ice and snow make it particularly dangerous. The route’s narrow, winding sections through hilly terrain contribute to the risk.
Also known as Primary Route 16, the Hillerød motorway connects the city of Hillerød with central Copenhagen. As one of the major approaches to the Danish capital, it is the country’s most accident prone stretch. According to the International Transport Forum, excessive speed is one of the leading causes of road crashes in general in Denmark – contributing to 27% of crashes in 2022. Inattention, due to mobile phones, was also identified as the cause of 29% of fatal crashes in the same report.
With 2,317 islands dotting its Baltic coastline, Estonia's frigid winters bring a unique opportunity for daring drivers: the chance to traverse ice roads across the frozen sea. When conditions permit, the government officially opens these ice road routes each winter. The longest of these spans 16 miles (26.5km), connecting Rohuküla on the mainland to the island of Hiiumaa. To ensure safety, several rules are in place: seatbelts must not be worn to allow for quick escape in case of an emergency. Drivers must adhere to strict speed limits – no slower than 16 miles per hour (25 km/h) and no faster than 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) – since speeds between these can cause the ice to crack. Stopping on the ice roads is also strictly forbidden.
Finland is known for having one of the lowest road fatality rates in Europe, thanks to its strong focus on safety and infrastructure. One of the country's most important and busiest highways is the E75, which spans 805 miles (1,295km) from Helsinki in the south to Utsjoki in the far north. However, Finnish drivers face unique challenges, especially during autumn. September is peak season for moose collisions, particularly in regions like Northern Ostrobothnia and Uusimaa. Moose are more active during this time, and slippery conditions from wet leaves or frost can make the roads even more dangerous.
The RN79, also known as the Centre-Europe Atlantique (RCEA), is a major route across France, linking Royan on the Atlantic coast to the Rhône Valley and continuing toward the Mont Blanc tunnel. Historically, it has been a high-risk road, known for frequent accidents due to its heavy traffic, with around 40% of its 10,000 to 15,000 daily vehicles being HGVs. In response to these safety concerns, significant upgrades have been made, and although these upgrades have likely improved conditions, the road retains its reputation as one of France's most dangerous routes.
Driving in Athens can test even the most laid-back drivers, but it's the mountainous roads of Greece that pose the real challenge. Some of the country’s most dangerous routes include the Patiopoulo-Perdikaki road and the stretch between Prousos and Karpenisi, both located in central Greece. The road from Karpenisi is particularly treacherous, with its narrow, winding paths and steep drops making it nearly impossible for two cars to pass in certain sections. Additional hazards like rockfalls and heavy snow, especially in winter when avalanche warnings are common, further increase the risks on these precipitous roads.
The M1 motorway, connecting Budapest and Vienna, is one of Hungary's busiest and most accident-prone highways. In 2022, it saw 59 major accidents, giving it the highest accident rate per kilometre in the country. A critical route for both domestic and international trade, the M1 experiences heavy traffic, making it a hotspot for collisions. One of the worst incidents happened in 2023 when a sudden dust storm caused a massive pile-up involving over 40 vehicles, including five trucks. This crash led to one death and 39 injuries, with several vehicles catching fire. Thankfully, the motorway is undergoing a major upgrade, including improvements to the road surface and infrastructure.
While most of Iceland feels very safe with well-maintained infrastructure, the rugged Westfjords peninsula presents a different story. One of the most challenging drives in this region is Route 622, also known as Svalvogur Road. This gravel road, suitable only for 4x4 vehicles, is carved into cliffs along the coast between Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður. Even on a clear day, it’s a nerve-wracking drive with its narrow, exposed paths and steep drops. The road becomes even more perilous in bad weather – which is why it is closed in winter – and in summer, low tide is essential for parts of the road that dip below sea level.
Ireland's N59 is a particularly dangerous road, especially the stretch in County Galway near Leenaune, which has been identified as the country's most perilous. This winding, mountainous section, located just east of Kylemore Lough, recorded a staggering collision rate of 1,131 – more than double the rate of the next most dangerous stretch in Wexford, which had a rate of 588.
Driving the famous Stelvio Pass is a dream for many motor enthusiasts, but it's not for the faint-hearted. This high-altitude road, located between the northern Italian provinces of Lombardy and South Tyrol, is the highest paved mountain pass in Italy, reaching an elevation of 9,045 feet (2,757m). Constructed in the early 1800s, it is renowned for its 60 hairpin bends – 48 of them on the northern side alone. Open only between late May and October due to heavy snowfall, the tight, steep turns and narrow paths are treacherous, especially for inexperienced drivers or motorcyclists.
The A1, which runs north from Latvia’s capital Riga along the coast to Ainaži, at the Estonian border, is a fast and highly congested dual carriageway. It has been named the country’s most hazardous highway due to the number of accidents on its stretch. The Baltic country has one of Europe's most dangerous road networks overall, which can be compounded in the colder months when snow and ice come into play.
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With no motorways and strict driving regulations, the teeny principality of Liechtenstein has a good track record for road safety. However, the mountainous terrain does pose some challenges for drivers, especially on roads like the one from Triesenberg to Malbun. This route, which leads to the popular ski resort of Malbun, is the highest drive in the country and is particularly treacherous during the winter months due to steep inclines and the risk of snow and ice. Winter tyres or snow chains are strongly recommended for safety, and the road can become hazardous in poor weather conditions.
In 2022, Luxembourg had one of the highest road fatality rates in the European Union, with 60 deaths per million inhabitants, placing it sixth among the 27 EU countries. The A1 motorway, connecting Luxembourg City to the German border at Wasserbillig, is one of the country’s busiest and most accident-prone roads. Over the years, this stretch has seen fatal crashes, often attributed to speeding and drunk driving.
Looping around the cliffs, coves and cities of Malta, the Coast Road is the Mediterranean island’s most scenic driving route, but it is also its most dangerous. Between 2010 and 2018, it saw six fatalities and over 70 serious accidents, thanks to high traffic levels, speeding and driver fatigue. Traffic calming measures, including speed cameras, have been installed to mitigate some of the hazards along the shoreline-hugging route.
According to the United Nations Road Safety Performance Review, Moldova has significant issues with road safety. The country recorded 8.3 road fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 – 1.8 times higher than the EU average. However, road fatalities have decreased by 51% from 2011 to 2022, dropping from 443 to 217 deaths. One of the black spots for accidents is Dacia Boulevard in Chisinau, where pedestrian collisions are particularly high due to heavy traffic.
Monaco is indelibly linked with high-speed motoring, but is actually one of the safest European countries to drive in, with excellent quality roads and stringent rules. However, speeding and driving under the influence can be an issue in the principality. In 2023, Monaco experienced one of its worst road safety records, with three fatal accidents that claimed six lives. All these accidents occurred in tunnels, including the Louis II tunnel – a well-known section of Monaco’s Grand Prix circuit that connects the Port Hercule area with the Larvotto district. It has since seen the installation of public surveillance cameras aimed at curbing dangerous driving and preventing reckless speeds.
The Cetinje to Kotor Panoramic Road in Montenegro offers a dramatic and challenging drive through some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes. Spanning around 23 miles (36 km), this serpentine road is famous for its 16 sharp hairpin bends, making it a demanding experience for drivers. Originally a trade route from Roman times, the road was formally developed into its modern form in the late 19th century. Driving this route requires full concentration due to its narrow width, steep inclines and stone walls on either side, combined with blind corners and frequent encounters with buses.
North Macedonia ranks among the worst in Europe for road quality, and this poor infrastructure plays a role in the country’s high road fatality rate. One particularly dangerous route is Corridor 10, a key motorway connecting Serbia with North Macedonia, used by travellers heading to Albania and Greece. During the summer, it handles up to 100,000 vehicles a day, with many drivers covering long distances, increasing the risk of accidents. However, a 2023 campaign promoting rest breaks for drivers appears to have helped reduce collisions on this heavily trafficked route, part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety in the region.
Poland saw a significant 47% reduction in road deaths between 2012 and 2022, an achievement recognised by the European Transport Safety Council, which awarded the country its 2023 Road Safety Performance Index Award for the first time. This reduction far exceeds the EU average of 22%. Despite this progress, one of Poland's most dangerous roads remains National Road No. 7, a busy route that connects Żukowo near Gdańsk with Warsaw and Kraków, where high traffic levels contribute to frequent accidents.
The IC19, which connects Lisbon and Sintra, is widely recognised as Portugal's most dangerous road. This congested route has been identified with nine accident blackspots, making it particularly hazardous. In addition, three other major highways around Lisbon – EN10, A2 and A5 – are also ranked among the top five most dangerous roads in the country. To address the high accident rates on these roads, including the IC19, average speed cameras have been installed as part of efforts to improve safety and reduce collisions.
A succession of sharp bends, blind corners and heart-stopping tight stretches make Romania’s Transfagarasan highway notoriously deadly. The scenic but seriously white-knuckle pass crosses over the Fagaras mountains in Transylvania, reaching heights of 6,699 feet (2,000m). The jagged form of Romania’s highest mountains and brooding landscape add to the foreboding but thrilling atmosphere as you weave around the road, which can get clogged with tourists.
Some of Europe’s most deadly roads are in Serbia, including the country’s most dangerous route known as Ibarska Magistrala or 'black highway' by locals. This busy thoroughfare connects Belgrade, via Čačak and Užice, with Montenegro and can be a hazardous drive due to its poor surface conditions, narrow, steep stretches and heavy traffic.
The Vršič Pass in Slovenia is both a majestic and highly dangerous route, snaking through the eastern Julian Alps. It is the highest road pass in the country, reaching an elevation of 5,285 feet (1,611m), and features 50 hairpin bends. Originally built by Russian prisoners of war during the Second World War, the pass is typically closed in winter, but during open seasons, its steep curves and narrow paths continue to test even the most skilled drivers.
The Carretera de l'Arrabassada, winding through the Collserola mountains, offers both stunning views and a notoriously nerve-wracking drive. Connecting Barcelona with Sant Cugat, this scenic route is considered one of Spain’s deadliest roads due to its sharp curves and narrow sections. Drivers not only have to navigate the steep terrain but also be cautious of vehicles slowing down or stopping to admire the breathtaking views of Barcelona below. Adding to its dangers, the remote, hilly road has been a hotspot for illegal street races involving high-speed cars and motorcycles.
Sweden lays claims to some of Europe’s safest roads, but its E20 motorway has been highlighted as its most hazardous. Sitting between the country’s three main cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, the artery is a major transportation hub and the most used route by Sweden’s freight vehicles. A 13-mile (21km) stretch is also the focus of Sweden’s plans to build the world’s first electric motorway, where electric cars can charge as they drive.
Switzerland has some of the world’s most spectacular mountain passes but also some of the most deadly. The Uri canton is home to the country’s most high-risk routes, including the zig-zag course of Gotthard Pass, a spectacular road that is usually only open between June and October (weather dependent) due to its series of tight switchbacks, narrowness and near vertical ascent. The Furka Pass, which was made famous in the car chase scene of James Bond film Goldfinger, is another scary stretch.
The A1010 in north London has been identified as Britain’s most dangerous road, with an accident rate of 12.7 per one million vehicle-miles driven, nearly nine times the national average. Running between Tottenham and Waltham Cross, this seemingly ordinary city road is highly congested, with numerous junctions leading to shops and supermarkets. These factors, along with its frequent stops, contribute to its elevated accident rate. Despite not being the fastest or most complex route, the A1010 poses significant risks to drivers due to its heavy traffic and dense urban layout.
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