The current state of Puerto Rico’s roads
The most dangerous roads in Puerto Rico
Advice for navigating these roads
Conclusion
The current state of Puerto Rico’s roads
The condition of Puerto Rico’s roads is slowly improving. However, they are still notorious for having some worst “wear and tear” around. They are littered with cracks and potholes due to major weather events such as hurricane Maria. The roads also do not improve often because Puerto Rico currently lacks the infrastructure to repair them for the most part.
However, the roads are, for the most part, traversable. So, you can travel without interruption during which you might hit the occasional pothole but that would be it. Unfortunately though, some roads are considered dangerous because of the aggression of the average driver and/or the actual layout of the road.
The most dangerous roads in Puerto Rico
As with anywhere else, some roads are more dangerous than others in Puerto Rico. One such dangerous road is Highway 344 which is rural and located in Hormigueros. The danger is that the road wraps around a cliff and pretty much has no barrier which would otherwise prevent a car from accidentally driving off.
Another dangerous road to be aware of in Puerto Rico is Ruta Panoramica which is a collection of secondary roads. They are considered dangerous because oncoming traffic often seems extremely close and there are not dividers. So, you could easily get into an accident if someone doesn’t pay attention and crosses the line. It is also renowned for having terrible driving conditions when it gets when in the rain.
The final road we are going to warn you off in Puerto Rico is the Mata de Plátanos Bridge and the roads leading up to it at both ends. It is considered dangerous because of the fact that it is only one lane wide and overly aggressive drivers can make getting across difficult.
Advice for navigating these roads
If you are going to travel on these roads, safety should be your utmost concern. Use these tips to stay safe:
- Slow down – Nothing makes a dangerous road more dangerous than driving too fast. If you speed on a dangerous road you are really risking your safety.
- Watch the weather – Driving on a road that is considered dangerous during a storm is not a good idea. Rain can decrease visibility and decrease the likelihood of being able to stop quickly. Wind can make steering more difficult.
- Pay attention – If you drive while you are distracted on your phone or distracted by something else, accidents can easily happen.
- Obey the rules – Be sure that you obey basic rules such as completely stopping at stop signs and red lights.
- Keep a safe distance – Following another vehicle too closely, also known as tailgating, is both illegal and dangerous so do not do it.
Conclusion
There are a few roads in Puerto Rico which have become infamous for their dangerous driving conditions. If you must drive on them, do so cautiously. Most roads have at least some cracks and potholes, so always pay close attention when you are driving. On these roads and in general, avoid distractions like cell phone use and always obey traffic laws.
