Some of the most dangerous roads in Barbados are located in the most beautiful areas in the country. There are winding gullies, steep ridges and narrow coastal paths, which can catch the most seasoned drivers off guard. Take note of the hidden hazards, shard turns, narrow single lane passes and potholes that the best GPS will not show you.
The 2024 figures released by the Royal Barbados Police Service show that there were 1,200 reported traffic collisions, 45 fatalities and over 300 injuries. 60% of the accidents involved passenger vehicles and 20% involved motorcycles. Most accidents occurred between 6 PM and 8 PM, and the hot spots for accidents were busy intersections and main thoroughfares.
Most Dangerous Roads in Barbados
The most dangerous roads in Barbados are:
- Jack in the Box Gully, Saint Thomas
- Ermy Bourne Highway/ Hillswick Junction, Saint Joseph
- Turnpike, Saint George
- Bowling Alley Hill, Saint Joseph
- Oistins Hill, Christ Church
- Lower Grey’s, Christ Church
- Woodland, Saint Gorge
1. Jack in the Box Gully, Saint Thomas
Reasons to Use
This road is a critical artery from Highway 3A to Ayshford. It is a quick way to travel from Saint George and Saint Michael to the inner parts of Saint Thomas. Additionally, Jack-in-the-Box Gully is home to the Aerial Tek Zipline.
Reasons to Take Care
At night, Jack in the Box Gully is a very lonely and dark area. There are no street lights, and if you are not familiar with the road, you may be surprised by some of the sharp bends.
2. Ermy Bourne Highway/ Hillswick Junction, Saint Joseph
Reasons to Use
The Ermy Bourne Highway/ Hillswick Junction in Saint Joseph, is a landmark for locals and visitors travelling to the east coast of Barbados. It is the first major junction after exiting Horse Hill. The four-way junction takes drivers to the Ermie Bourne Highway, to Bathsheba via Hillswick Road and to St. Elizabeth.
Reasons to Take Care
Terrain in the area may be considered dangerous because of how steep the roads are. There is no roundabout or traffic lights at the junction, so drivers must be careful and proceed cautiously. Vehicles enter the junction from the Ermie Bourne Highway and Hillswick Road on inclines, which make it a bit more dangerous to turn onto Horse Hill.
3. Turnpike, Saint George
Reasons to Use
The Turnpike is a busy intersection that connects travelers from Saint Michael, Saint George and Christ Church. Travellers from Christ Church enter from the Boarded Hall roundabout; those from Saint Michael come from the direction of Bulkeley Sugar Factory; and drivers from Saint George arrive at the intersection from the direction of Saint George Parish Church, Ellerton and Brighton.
Reasons to Take Care
It is one of the most dangerous intersections in Barbados, and there several accidents have been reported here. On a busy day, drivers rely on each other to traverse the area safely because there are no roundabouts or traffic lights. The road is challenging because there are five roads that meet, which means that drivers have to be aware of vehicles entering and exiting from various angles.
4. Bowling Alley Hill, Saint Joseph
Reasons to Use
Bowling Alley Hill is a popular road that passes alongside the Cotton Tower Signal Station. This road connects to Horse Hill on one side and Easy Hall on the other. It is a quick route to east coast when coming from Saint John.
Reasons to Take Care
This hill is a daring, steep, narrow and winding road. There is vegetation on both sides, which makes the road even more ominous at night. During light and heavy rain, the road may be slippery and may cause your vehicle to slide.
5. Oistins Hill, Christ Church
Reasons to Use
Oistins Hill is a main connector for people travelling to Oistins, the Christ Church Foundation School, Christ Church Parish Church and the southern districts in Barbados. Oistins is a popular fishing village and Friday night entertainment spot. https://barbadostoday.bb/2025/10/25/residents-renew-calls-for-urgent-road-safety-fixes-in-oistins/
Reasons to Take Care
At the top of Oistins Hill is a four-way junction that has been the scene of many accidents. One road comes from Cane Vale, another from Gall Hill, another from Thornbury Hill and the fourth from Oistins. Oistins Hill is very steep, and motorists must be cautious when travelling from all directions. Of great concern is the road from Thornbury Hill – motorists have difficulty seeing vehicles that are ascending the hill from Oistins.
6. Lower Grey’s, Christ Church
Reasons to Use
The Windsor/ Brighton junction in Lower Grey’s, Christ Church is. It is a valuable connector that allows travellers to get to and from Saint George, St. Philip, Christ Church and Saint Michael.
Reasons to Take Care
Lower Grey’s is a very busy four-way junction. It has been the scene of many accidents, including mass casualty and fatal events. Drivers often take risks when traversing this road, which puts them in the crosshairs of cars that are traveling at high speeds.
7. Woodland, Saint Gorge
Reasons to Use
Residents of Saint George and surrounding parishes can use this road to get to certain areas in St. George, and the Lodge School, Kendal Plantation and Four Roads in Saint John.
Reasons to Take Care
This is on the route to Woodland plantation. This road is dangerous especially when travelling from Four Roads, Saint John. There is short left turn around a blind corner. Cars exiting from the left turn do not come to a complete stop, which could be catastrophic for drivers on the main road.
The list of dangerous roads in Barbados also includes Beulah in Saint Philip, Chalky Mount in Saint Andrew, and Cambridge and Parks Road in Saint Joseph.
If you are planning on taking a drive in Barbados, you should navigate with caution. Before you go, take note of the roads listed above, so that you can explore every corner of the island safely.
Image: Tom Jur via Unsplash
