Riding in a taxi is usually a relaxing experience. It’s a chance to kick back and let someone else worry about navigation and liability. However, the experience can quickly shift from peaceful to terrifying when navigating snow, mountains, humans, and the supernatural. It’s time to introduce you to the five most dangerous taxi rides known to man.
1. Zoji La Pass
Zoji La Pass is an unpaved, high mountain pass in the Himalayas. Imagine sitting at 3528m above sea level, climbing a narrow and crumbling dirt path with no guard rails while being hit by high winds and dodging oncoming traffic. Navigating the Zoji La Pass is an adrenaline-pumping experience not for the faint of heart. While you can drive yourself to Sonnmarg, you will have to book a local taxi to make it all the way to Zojila Pass. Even in the hands of a seasoned professional, I can only imagine the ride to be truly terrifying.
2. Pangi Road
Arguably even more terrifying is Killar To Pangi Road. The unmetalled road provides access to the Pangi Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Like Zoji La Pass, the road is unpaved, crumbly, and narrow, with death-defying drop-offs plunging thousands of feet into the valley below. If you plan to drive this route, it’s best to check your ego at the door and look into a shared or private taxi service.
3. Guoliang Tunnel Road
If heights don’t get your heart pumping, then maybe the combination of acrophobia and claustrophobia will. The Guoliang Tunnel Road is a hand-chiseled tunnel that weaves through the mountains of China. Once you enter the 4000-foot-long chamber, there’s no turning back. At around 13 feet wide, it’s just barely wide enough for two-way traffic. Thankfully, the tunnel is now a popular tourist spot. You can easily catch a bus tour or hire a private vehicle to help you navigate the tunnel.
As a side note, if spooky tunnels are your thing, check out the Anzob Tunnel, also known as the Tunnel of Fear and Death.
4. I-4
Nature can certainly provide an element of thrilling terror, but there’s nothing more terrifying than other drivers. Fleetowner.com ranks I-4, a U.S. interstate that runs from Tampa to Daytona Beach, Florida, as one of the country’s deadliest. The interstate statistically sees 1.134 deaths per mile. The road experiences high traffic volume and is heavily traveled by tractor-trailers. Florida’s infamous construction and the occasional drunk driver round out the list of things that make I-4 a truly terrifying Uber ride.
5. Highway 666
Next is a spooky tale as old as time: meet Highway 666, a.k.a the Devil’s Highway. According to locals, “This legendary highway ranges in altitude from 2,900 feet to more than 11,000, has over 400 curves in one 60-mile stretch, and edges many steep cliffs (sending numerous travelers careening to their deaths). It also crosses over Navajo territory and across a number of mines.” Beyond the obviously perilous terrain, the road is also host to paranormal activities. From ghost sightings to faceless hitchhikers to demon dogs that slash the tires of those trying to make their way, Highway 666 is no stranger to the unusual. Locals also report that many travelers disappear while traveling the highway, only to return days later with no recollection of lost time. Local tribes also pass stories about the highway and suggest that travelers do not travel the highway alone, making a ride in a taxi a wise investment indeed.
Let’s Make Your Dangerous Taxi Ride Just a Touch Safer
Okay, I know it’s cheesy, but I have to say it…if you want to make your taxi ride just a little bit safer, don’t forget your insurance. Give us a call, we’re ready to help! After all, there is no dangerous taxi ride more dangerous than an uninsured one.