European Death Traps: Unveiling the Deadliest Highways Across the Continent
In a recent study by Ovoko, the top two European countries with the highest risk of car breakdowns were identified as Romania and Hungary.
Romania's Transfăgărășan route, known as one of the most beautiful roads in the country, has a risk score of 98.3%. This high score is attributed to the challenging road conditions, weather hazards, and accident rates. The Transfăgărășan, a 151-kilometer-long road, is often hit by floods, landslides, and falling rocks, making it a treacherous journey for drivers.
Hungary's M1 motorway, with a risk score of 91.90, has one of the country's highest accident rates. A major accident on the M1 motorway in 2023 involved 42 vehicles and resulted in one death and over 30 injuries.
Greece's Katara mountain pass also poses a significant risk, with a risk score of 92.5%. The pass, running between the eastern regions of Thessaly and Epirus, is at 1,705 metres above sea level. It is defined as one of the "most dangerous, terrifying and highest mountain roads in Europe." Traffic on the Katara Pass has sharply declined due to the opening of the safer Egnatia Odos A2 motorway. However, drivers should still be mindful of oncoming traffic due to the narrow and steep turns of the pass.
The Katara Pass has a notorious history, with numerous accidents and fatalities reported. The name Katara means "cursed" due to an extreme hardship faced by a bishop in the 1800s. It is not advisable to take the Katara Pass in the winter, particularly with an old car.
Italy's Stelvio pass, located in the eastern Alps, is another dangerous road. At over 2,700 metres, it is one of the most beautiful but also most dangerous roads in the country. During WWI, the Stelvio pass was the backdrop to many battles between Italy and the Austrian Empire. The pass was built by the Habsburg Empire between 1820 and 1825 to connect Austria with its Lombardian territories.
The Katara mountain pass in Greece connects the cities of Ioannina and Kalambaka. The average car age in Greece is 18 years, which puts vehicles there at significant risk of conking out.
While these roads offer breathtaking views, they also come with numerous risks. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, ensure their vehicles are in good condition, and plan their journeys carefully when travelling on these roads.
[1] Euronews. (2022, October 20). The 10 European countries with the highest risk of car breakdowns. Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/2022/10/20/the-10-european-countries-with-the-highest-risk-of-car-breakdowns
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