Why is Cumbres de Maltrata Dangerous?
Mexico, north-america
N/A
2,630 m
extreme
Year-round
Cumbres de Maltrata is part of the México 150D, the main highway linking Mexico City to the Gulf. It’s said to be the most dangerous highway in Mexico (with 4 accidents per day), according to CAPUFE.
Why is Cumbres de Maltrata Dangerous?
This section of the highway is extremely dangerous due to its pronounced curves, steep grades, and high traffic volume. It has many braking ramps that are often used by trucks, three tunnels, and some bridges.
How Lethal is Cumbres de Maltrata?
Bad weather conditions with frequent fog, rain, and sometimes snow in winter, reckless driving or speeding, constant brake failures mostly from heavy trucks, and people who simply don't know how to take a curve or do engine braking, make this road Mexico's deadliest highway. The worst accident was in 2006 when a bus fell into the canyon, killing 57 people. The accident was mainly caused by speeding and the lack of road surface signals. It’s believed the bus driver mistook the braking ramp for the continuation of the road. At that moment, the ramp was under repair and lacked surface warning signals. The bus took the braking ramp without any gravel to stop and fell directly into the canyon.
Is the Road through Cumbres de Maltrata Worth the Drive?
The highway offers incredible views of the Sierra Madre Oriental and Pico de Orizaba mountains. The highest pass of this highway is at 2,630m (8,628ft) above sea level, and it descends near Orizaba to 1,300m (4,265ft) asl.
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Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,630 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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