Most Dangerous Transportation Methods Around the World

Dangerous Transportation Methods

The 7 Most Dangerous Transportation Methods Around the World

Imagine if you had to get from one side of the world to another and you only had these five terrifying transportation methods to choose from. Which would you choose?

Mountain buses in India

Imagine this: you’re on a bus, winding your way up a narrow mountain road. The bus is packed, and there’s no guardrail. If you lose your balance, you’re going to fall off a cliff, and that’s why it’s known as Terrifying Transportation. This is a reality for people in India who rely on mountain buses to get around. These buses are often old and in poor condition, and the drivers are reckless. They’ll go as fast as they can, even if it means taking hairpin turns at high speeds. The result is a terrifying experience that can easily end in disaster.

Trucks On Road

Dangerous Ojeks in Indonesia

Have you ever ridden on an ojek in Indonesia? Ojeks are basically motorbike taxis, and they can be found all over the country. They’re a popular form of transportation because they’re fast, affordable, and can navigate through traffic jams that would stop a car in its tracks. The downside is that they can be a little bit scary to ride on. Drivers often weave in and out of traffic at high speeds, and there’s no protection if something goes wrong. So, if you’re ever in Indonesia, be sure to give an ojek a try—just make sure you have a death wish. 

Ojeks in Indonesia

Dogsleds in Norway

Sure, a dogsled ride might seem like a fun way to explore the snowy Norwegian landscape, but have you ever stopped to think about how terrifying it is? Think about it—you’re basically trusting your life to a team of wild animals who are controlled by a person wielding nothing more than a pair of reins. And if something goes wrong and the sled starts to skid, there’s nothing you can do to save yourself. Plus, there’s the whole issue of getting lost in the middle of nowhere. Not exactly the kind of adventure you want to experience in the middle of winter! This is why it’s ranked among the top Terrifying Transportation in the world for tourists. 

Check Out: Babenhausen Barracks: Exploring the Dark Side of Tourism in Germany

Cable Cars in La Paz

So, in Bolivia, particularly in cities like La Paz, they have this fancy public transportation system called “Mi Teleférico” or “My Cable Car” (way to get creative, guys). It’s a network of cable cars connecting different parts of the city because, you know, the hilly terrain makes walking a total pain in the ass.

Now, here’s the deal. The official Mi Teleférico system is generally safe and efficient. But, hold on to your llama hats, because there are some shady characters out there operating informal and unregulated cable cars. Yep, you heard me right. These renegade cable cars, also known as “teleféricos ilegales” or “cable cars,” are run by individuals or small groups who clearly didn’t get the memo on proper regulations or safety standards.

So, what’s the problem with these outlaw cable cars, you may ask? Well, let me enlighten you. First off, they lack regulation, meaning nobody is keeping an eye on them to ensure they meet any sort of safety standards. It’s like the wild, wild west up there in the skies of La Paz.

Secondly, these makeshift cable cars are constructed using whatever scrap materials they can find. I mean, who needs engineering and safety checks when you can just throw together a contraption with duct tape and zip ties, right? Note to self: avoid cable cars held together by a prayer and a rusty old clothespin.

And it gets even better. Since these rogue cable cars are run by mavericks who care more about making some extra cash than your safety, overcrowding is a serious concern. Forget personal space and comfort; they’ll squeeze you in like sardines if it means making an extra buck.

As if that’s not enough, these unauthorized cable cars rarely see a maintenance crew. No regular check-ups, no inspections, nada. So, you can imagine the shape they’re in. Mechanical failures and accidents?

Last but not least, let’s talk about the operators of these rogue cable cars. They might be lacking a little somethin’-somethin’ in the training department. I mean, who needs training on safe operations and emergency preparedness when you can learn everything you need to know from a YouTube tutorial, right? Wrong.

Bamboo Trains/Norries in Cambodia

Bamboo Norry
Henry Flower at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 < via Wikimedia Commons

Picture this: bamboo platforms powered by small engines snatched from motorcycles or water pumps. Yup, you heard that right. These trains are the epitome of resourcefulness and ingenuity…but not so much when it comes to safety features. Who needs regulations, am I right?

Now, don’t get me wrong, these bamboo trains serve a purpose. They transport goods and people across short distances on a single track. And sure, they might be a cheap solution in areas where traditional trains have gone AWOL. But let’s not forget one tiny detail…they’re a tad bit dangerous.

I mean, imagine flying down those tracks without any safety measures in place. Oops, there goes a norry derailing. Oh, look, two norries decided to have a little collision party. Accidents happen, ladies, and bamboo trains have seen their fair share. Safety first? Not here, honey.

In recent years, the powers-that-be in Cambodia have been renovating railway tracks, which has put a damper on our dear bamboo trains. Some tracks have been hijacked by passenger trains and freight services, forcing the bamboos to find new routes. Change is the only constant, right?

Just keep in mind that this information is based on available sources, and things might vary in different areas where these wild norries roam free. So if you’re planning on hopping on a bamboo train, proceed with caution and bring that fearless spirit we know you have.

Dogsleds in Norway

Jeepney in Philippines

Jeepneys are probably the most terrifying way to get around the Philippines. These converted military vehicles have no seats, so you have to hang onto the metal frame or sit on the edge of the vehicle. And if you’re unlucky enough to be on a Jeepney that’s full, you’ll be squished in with all the other passengers. The best part is that there’s no air conditioning so that it can get really hot and stuffy inside. And if it’s raining, you’ll be soaking wet by the time you reach your destination. Jeepneys are definitely not for the faint of heart!

converted military vehicles

Commuter trains in Mumbai

Commuter trains in Mumbai are definitely not for the faint of heart. If you’re not used to being packed in like sardines, surrounded by people who are elbowing and shoving their way to the front, then you’re in for a real treat. Make no mistake, these trains are a means of transportation, not a tourist attraction. And the people who use them every day are a tough breed—they’ve learned how to survive in a hostile environment. So if you’re ever in Mumbai and need to take the commuter train, be prepared for an experience that’s both harrowing and exhilarating. Just be sure to keep your hands and belongings close to you at all times.

Terrifying Transportation

Conclusion

From overloaded public transportation to treacherous roads, there are plenty of ways to get around the world that are downright scary. If you’re looking for an adventure, these 5 methods of transportation will certainly give you one!

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About Jill

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Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.

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