Dalton Highway is a 414-mile stretch in Alaska that is not only known for its spectacular views but also its winding roads and steep drop-offs. Also known as “Haul Road,” local businesses take advantage of the largely unpaved road to transport heavy loads. As one of the most dangerous highways in the country, most car rental companies don’t allow visitors to drive on it in their vehicles, as they know there’s a slim chance they’ll get their vehicle back in one piece.
In addition to sharp turns, what makes the highway so dangerous is how isolated it is. If there was an accident, it could be days before someone came across it. They have helicopters scoping out the area once a day for just this reason, but Alaska’s harsh weather conditions can make this difficult. From temperatures that drop to -80 degrees, powerful wind tunnels, roaming wild animals, and frequent whiteouts, it’s certainly not the kind of highway you want to get stuck on.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
Located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, Centralia is known as a ghost town with a population of just five people. Once a small coal-mining town, an underground fire sent residents running for the hills. The coal mine fire has been burning since 1962 and shows no sign of letting up anytime soon. While most of the abandoned homes are no longer there, the town attracts tourists interested in seeing the fumes rise through the cracks of the crumbling streets as nature slowly reclaims its territory.
What makes the area so dangerous are the unstable grounds. Walking over them can lead to a painful fall into the mining caves below. The fumes coming from the cracks in the ground also pose as a potential threat, as they’re heavily toxic. Being out in the open won’t cause any issues, but walking into areas where the fumes are thick can be deadly!
NASCAR Speedways, U.S.A.
NASCAR attracts fans from all over the country, making their speedways a popular stop for both tourists and locals alike. With over two dozen tracks in the United States and even some in Canada, racing events draw in thousands of spectators each year. Few know, however, that it’s not just the drivers who are risking injury during a race.
Over the years, there have been 47 spectator deaths and far more audience injuries at NASCAR races. Considering the entire sport is based on driving vehicles at unthinkable speeds until ultimately they either crash or cross the finish line, it should come as no surprise. More often than not, this occurred after the safety fences failed and people got hit with debris from an accident. Better than an entire car driving into the stands! However, that happens from time to time as well.
Kauai, Hawaii
The gorgeous island of Kauai, Hawaii offers picturesque views of tropical rainforests and dramatic cliffs. It’s these reasons that tourists come from all over the world to spend time on the island, but not all of them get to leave. The waters off the coasts of Kauai are known for its strong currents and dangerous riptides, leading to many deaths over the years.
While tourists are strongly advised to stay out of the water, they don’t always listen or understand the warning signs. Large waves can easily sweep someone out to sea or even send them hurling towards nearby rocks. The ocean’s unpredictable ways have led to many injuries and deaths, discouraging even local swimmers from taking the risk.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a popular park in San Francisco, boasting views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, as on top of offering spectacular views, it’s a great location for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and more. What makes the area so dangerous are the tumultuous currents and strong rip tides.
Visitors don’t expect the waters to be so rough, leading to an average of 85 deaths per year. Standing on nearby rocks doesn’t keep tourists safe either, as the waves are known to be large enough to sweep bystanders out to sea. In only takes a moment for things to turn deadly at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area park!