Driving is a universal necessity, but in these countries, it tests more than just navigation skills, but it also challenges nerves, cultural adaptation, and situational awareness.
A UK study, done by Scrap Car Comparison recently published their list of 10 scariest countries to drive in, especially if you’re tourists.
1. India
India claims the top spot, scoring a terrifying 7.15 out of 10 in anxiety levels. Narrow, crowded roads teem with cars, motorbikes, rickshaws, and pedestrians all moving unpredictably.
Traffic rules are loosely followed: overtaking on blind bends, swerving without warning, and seemingly non-existent lane discipline make every journey nerve-wracking. Accidents are frequent, and drivers face constant hazards.
2. Venezuela
Venezuela ranks second with a scare score of 6.97. Drivers contend with poorly maintained roads riddled with potholes, erratic lane usage, and fuel shortages that cause long waits and unpredictable driving behavior.
Law enforcement is inconsistent, and road safety infrastructure is inadequate, turning even short trips into daunting ordeals.
3. Zimbabwe
At 6.90, Zimbabwe comes in third. Rural roads are often unpaved and full of hazards, deep holes, washed-out sections, and lack of signage.
Fuel scarcity is a recurring issue, and police checkpoints may involve bribery or delays. The landscape demands alertness and caution at all times.
4. Morocco
Scoring 6.87, Morocco is another anxious-driving hub. Everywhere you go, roads are congested, especially near cities, while rural stretches offer minimal signage. Local driving norms, from aggressive overtaking to unpredictable pedestrian behavior, keep foreign drivers on edge.
5. Thailand
Thailand’s scare score of 6.86 is driven by its extraordinarily high road traffic death rate, 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people, the worst in Southeast Asia.
Bangkok and other cities are chronically congested, and chaotic driving behavior, lane-splitting motorbikes, speeding cars, and lax enforcement, makes the roads particularly hazardous.
6. China
China scores 6.84, plagued by a severe mix of urban congestion and high-speed rural driving. Its road traffic death rate of 18.2 per 100,000 people is among the highest in the region.
In cities, pedestrians, cyclists, motorbikes, and cars jostle for space, while highways are dominated by oversized trucks and frequent lane changes.
7. Tunisia
Tunisia’s 6.79 scare mark reflects a combination of poor infrastructure and erratic driving. Roads outside major cities are often unpaved, with minimal maintenance. Drivers tend to ignore speed limits and overtaking rules, creating a tense driving experience for all.
8. Brazil
Brazil, scoring 6.71, mixes excellent highways with dangerously erratic driving behavior. Urban roads are congested, lane discipline is weak, and road rage incidents are not uncommon.
Rural roads can suddenly turn hazardous with potholes, unlit stretches, and heavy trucks, demanding constant vigilance.
9. Colombia
Colombia ties with Brazil at a score of 6.71. Many routes traverse mountainous terrain, often with steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and limited guardrails.
Weather can change rapidly, increasing risk on winding roads. Aggressive overtaking and unpredictable local driving styles make it even more stressful.
10. Malaysia
Malaysia rounds out the top 10 with a score of 6.70. A UK-based Scrap Car Comparison survey of 2,000 motorists highlighted Malaysia’s chaotic driving environment, especially in cities like Kuala Lumpur.
Data from the World Health Organization and World Economic Forum confirm Malaysia’s road traffic death rate at 23.6 per 100,000, among the world’s highest.
