Death Road: World's most dangerous highway where 300 people plunge into 2,300ft abyss every year

The most dangerous highway in the world is known as Death Road for many reasons. Crosses indicate where an annual 300 victims plunge down 2,300ft sheer drops into the abyss.

Other perils on its snaking 40 miles include rock avalanches, fog and trucks squeezing by each other on its stony surface, often single track 10ft wide.

Yet every year more than 25,000 cyclists, many British, flock to the Andes to risk their lives by riding down North Yungas Road in Bolivia.

The descent from a 15,400ft mountain summit takes five hours and roadside barriers are a rarity.

Cycle tour firm Gravity Bolivia’s manager Derren Patterson, 28, said: “There have been a number of deaths on this road so it’s vital that people ride with competent guides.”

While Bolivians drive on the right, vehicles using the hellish route must travel on the left so the driver has a better view of the precipice inches away.

So all vehicles going downhill must yield the right of way – and move to the outer edge.