What makes a road dangerous? Seems like a simple question. A lot of creativity and effort is devoted to this question because understanding the answer is a critical step to improving safety. Tonight, the Discovery Channel premieres their special, Hell Roads, which also explores this question. The program will feature eight notorious roads around the globe that are considered some of the most dangerous in the world. Their website describes the program as:
From around the globe lies eight notorious Hell Roads, each distinct in their own danger and history of carnage. Meet the people whose risk their lives braving avalanches, rockslides, 10,000ft drops and even gunfire as they drive these terrifying highways.
While filming this special, Discovery Channel sought out my colleague, Paul Eng-Wong, to provide some engineering perspective on the topic. As a Past International President of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, Paul understands the safety issues facing transportation agencies around the world. The global issues are far from simple, influenced by diverse factors such as terrain, weather, security, economics, and complex social and cultural issues.
The special airs at 9 PM tonight and will be repeated over the next week. Please visit Discovery Channel’s website for additional listings.
I tried to watch this show and had a really difficult time. As a prior highway safety engineer it just made me cringe and ultimately, turn off the television. i couldn't bare to watch these large, fully loaded (with humans) vehicles pass such dangerous roadways. Kudos to Paul and the whole team who worked on this show to share the danger and also explain the roadway and the environment in a clear manner to the general public.
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