Every day we hear horror stories about chaotic and unsafe roads. The transport infrastructure in India is one of the deadliest, and the potentially devasting Beijing motorway, 50 lanes that merge into 20, is well documented. However, all is not lost. With SEAT Servicing providers, Vindis, we’ll explore the five cities with the safest and most impressive roads in the world.
Norway — Molde — Atlantic Road
It comes as no shock to those who have witnessed the beauty of this road, that it has been voted for endless awards, such as the ‘world’s best road trip’ and the ‘world’s best for car testing’. The engineering feat which connects a host of small islands and islets, amalgamates land, sea, and sky like nothing else in the world. As you navigate your way along the eight kilometre trek, take in the scenery by stopping at the various look-out points along the way.
Romania — Sibiu — Transfăgărășan
Spanning 150km and climbing 2042m, this vast road can impress even the harshest of critics. Jeremy Clarkson, Grand Tour Presenter and car enthusiast, declared it the greatest road in the world. The road which was built in 1974 leads to Balea lake, and on both the ascent and descent you are able to indulge in some of the most breath-taking views this world has to offer (do check your tyres beforehand!). Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, the road is usually only open during the summer months, as the top of the path can be subject to heavy snow and fog — what may exist as exhilarating hairpin turns in the summer can be treacherous and ultimately deadly obstacles in the winter.
Argentina — Rio Gallegos — Ruta 40
Route 66 is its more recognisable Northern American counterpart, but Ruta 40 offers stiff competition to some of the most iconic roads in the world. Stretching for more than 3,000 miles, the route crosses the Andes mountain range on 27 different occasions, as well as running through 20 national parks, and 18 major rivers. Much of the journey navigates through completely desolate land, however, the 5,000m steep journey provides travellers with the opportunity to indulge in some unbelievable attractions, including the Perito Moreno Glacier. Despite the road being built in 1935 and much of it being exposed to extremely harsh weather conditions all year round, the vast majority of the surface remains as smooth tarmac, creating an optimal driving experience.
Germany — Frankfurt — Autobahn
Those who love to test the limits of their car will be amazed by the lawless Autobahn. Tragically, the reputation the German road network has built itself over the years isn’t exactly one which boasts entire truth. For most of the Autobahn, tempo limits exist, which help aid traffic congestion and prevent serious collisions. Tempos drive down the limit in most parts to 80mph and in some sections even lower, dependent on weather congestions and location. Fortunately, all is not bleak and there is still fun to be had. Outside of the major cities, without the temporary limits, there is no laws, and cars have been known to drive in excess of 200mph — just remember it’s the left lane to overtake!
One notable aspect of driving on the Autobahn is that the road signs don’t note direction. Unlike the UK, were signs will suggest A1(N) or M8(E), the Autobahn simply consists of numbers, so we would suggest knowing the major destinations on your route before setting off. There is a quick rule of thumb though — if the number is even, it means it goes east or west, and similarly odd goes north and south.
Scotland — Edinburgh — Queensferry Crossing
Not only is this road a record breaker, it is a pleasure to drive over. Towering 207m into the sky, it holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest continuous concrete pour, lasting 15 days. The bridge, which allows people to commute from Edinburgh to Fyfe, opened on 30th August 2017 and cost the Scottish government £1.3 billion. On average, approximately 77,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day and it proves a vital transport link between England and North Scotland cities, such as Aberdeen. Although existing as the longest three-tower, cable stayed bridge in the world, the Queensferry Crossing took that crown from the bridge beside it, which is also an incredible engineering feat.
