The UK is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. However, it is also home to many notoriously dangerous roads. From scary hilltop drives to sharp winding bends, even the best of drivers can find themselves overwhelmed - especially given the UK's unreliable weather conditions.

Planning your journeys can be beneficial - especially if you know your journey involves travel on dangerous roads. To aid with this, we have created the following guide to the 10 most dangerous roads in England and the UK, and provide advice on what to do if you experience a road traffic accident.

The A592 - Kirkstone Pass

Kirkstone Pass is located in the Lake District at the highest pass. The road sweeps through from Ambleside in the Rothay Valley, over to Patterdale in Ullswater.

This road is filled with sharp bends and stretching slopes. The highest point reaches 1,489 feet. Despite the surrounding scenery, it is important to maintain complete concentration when driving on this dangerous road.

The A496 - Snowdonia's Mountainous Passage

If you have ever been to Snowdonia before, you may already be familiar with the twisting roads that weave their way around the area. One of those roads is the infamous A496 that connects Llanelltyd to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The A496 is surrounded by impressive landscapes with coastal views, clusters of villages and mountainous passages along the route. However, these views come at a price that an unfortunate number of tourists have paid. Many motorists have been caught out and found themselves in collision accidents when travelling this route over the years.

The A57 - Snake Pass

Snake Pass is a famous UK road that truly lives up to its name, as it makes its way through the Pennines with winding bends throughout. It was once the main route between Sheffield and Manchester, before the construction of the M67 in 1978.

This road was first opened back in 1921 and was engineered as the main linking road between Glossop in the Pennines and Ashopton’s Ladybower Reservoir. Today, the road is known as one of the most accident-prone roads in the UK, with 137 accidents recorded between 2014 and 2018. The area is particularly vulnerable to ice, snow and subsidence, so it is often worth finding a different route if you plan to travel through this area during the winter months.

Hardknott Pass

Hardknott Pass is considered one of the most challenging roads in the UK. It has earned this consideration due to its series of hairpin bends and the high risk of ice on the road. It is a steep, twisting, single-track road that cuts right through the heart of the Lake District between the Duddon Valley and Eskdale.

It is an ancient road, and it is home to Hardknott Fort, one of the loneliest outposts of the Roman Empire, overlooking the pass. It’s important when driving on this road that you don’t get distracted by the epic landscape and history-rich hills along the way.

The A1 - Rutland

The A1 was one of the first roads to earn a name during the 1920s. It is one of the longest roads in Britain and links Edinburgh to London. Along its stretch, it passes through Rutland in the East Midlands, which is home to around 38,000 residents. Shockingly, the number of fatalities on the road in this region is equal to around five deaths per 10,000 people.

With a high percentage of lorry traffic and high levels of congestion, this road is at an increased risk of accidents. If you're planning a journey that features this stretch of road, it might be worth finding an alternate route with lower potential risks and less congestion.

The A388 - Launceston to Lifton

The A388 weaves its way through rural hillsides and features a lot of steep inclines and bends along the way. This road is particularly dangerous for young drivers. Locals of the area are always on high alert for potential accidents.

Between the years 2013-2018, there were 17 collisions on this road of varying severity and, sadly, some fatalities. With many changes in lighting and natural visibility along the way, the A388 is a dangerous route to take.

The A537 - Cat and Fiddle Road

The Cat and Fiddle Road stretches between Macclesfield and Buxton. For some motorists, this road is a real treat to drive along due to its beautiful views along the way. The road is packed full of variety, from sweeping Peak District twists and turns, to the steep climb to the iconic Cat and Fiddle Inn that lies at the top. However, many drivers find this a difficult drive, and unfortunately, some have experienced accidents, resulting in close calls, injuries and some fatalities.

The A537 has persistently been a high-risk road over the years and regularly appears as one of the most dangerous roads in the UK.

The A258 - Petworth, West Sussex to Chichester

The A258 road is home to some long, fast straights and subsequent sharp bends, especially between Petworth and Chichester. Because of this, the road is prone to bad visibility. This is not a road to be driven on lightly. It features sudden elevation and several residential areas along the way, making it unpredictable and dangerous.

Whether you are driving in the summer in blinding sunlight or driving under harsh winter conditions, take caution on the A258.

The A303/A371 - Gateway to Somerset

Throughout this landscape lie several iconic landmarks, including Castle Cary, Stonehenge and Cheddar Gorge. The A371 and the A303 are used to heavy holiday traffic and provide the main route for most commuters within the surrounding areas.

This 12-mile stretch features sudden drops, light-altering tree tunnels and soft verges, plus a whole host of twists and turns along the way. In combination with stressed-out commuters, road works and heavy traffic, it should come as no surprise that this road has become well-known for being one of the south-west's most dangerous roads.

Rosedale Chimney Bank

Rosedale Chimney Bank is known by cyclists as the ‘Chain Breaker’. This road features a steep challenge that even modern cars can struggle with. The 33% incline means that this road is one of two of the joint steepest roads in England, alongside the daunting Hardknott Pass.

Despite Rosedale Chimney Bank not being a major road, it is still home to minor levels of traffic that take vehicles through the North Yorkshire Moors. It connects Hutton-le-Hole to Rosedale Abbey. You can expect dizzying heights, super-fast drops, and a stressfully steep hill climb along the route. This road is definitely not one for the fainthearted, and one that should be avoided if possible.

What is the Most Dangerous Motorway in the UK?

When discussing the most dangerous motorways in the UK, two roads stand out due to their high accident rates and the severity of those incidents: the previously mentioned A1(M) and the M25. Each is integral to travel in the UK.

The M25 circles Greater London, passing through several counties including Kent, Surrey and Essex, and is therefore very busy. Speeding and poor driving behaviours are the primary contributors to accidents on motorways, with the high traffic volumes exacerbating these issues, making them some of the deadliest roads in the country.

The A1(M) holds the unwanted title of being Britain's deadliest road, while the M25’s extensive accident history underlines the risks of high-speed travel around the capital. If you must travel these routes, stay aware of other drivers and maintain extra concentration.

What Should You Do if You Have Experienced a Road Traffic Accident?

If you find yourself involved in a road traffic accident, it is crucial to know the steps to take immediately after the incident to ensure your safety, comply with legal requirements, and preserve your rights. Here is a guide on what to do if you have experienced a road traffic accident:

• Ensure your safety: check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Move to a safe location off the road, if the vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Alert the emergency services: even if you do not believe you are injured, you should seek medical advice. Some injuries do not manifest immediately but can have serious consequences if left untreated. You must also report the accident to the police within 24 hours if anyone is injured or if there is significant property damage. Failure to do so can result in legal penalties.
• Document the scene: if it is safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, capturing different angles that show the positions of vehicles, any visible damage, road conditions, and any relevant street signs or signals. This documentation can be vital for insurance claims and legal purposes.
• Exchange contact information: exchange names, addresses, contact details and insurance information with all drivers, passengers and witnesses involved.
• Contact your insurer: inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with complete information about the incident and any documentation you have gathered.
• Keep records: keep detailed records of any medical treatment you receive, including dates, types of treatment, and any referrals to specialists. These records will be important for health purposes and any potential injury claims.
• Consult a solicitor: contact a solicitor who specialises in road traffic accidents - such as those at JMW. We can provide you with expert advice on how to proceed with any potential claims and represent your interests in dealing with insurance companies.

Following these steps will help you manage a difficult situation more effectively and protect your legal rights after a road traffic accident.