Saudi Arabia’s Highway 10, a crucial trade artery traversing the vast Rub’ al Khali desert, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest straight road, presenting drivers with a unique psychological test over 240 kilometers of unwavering monotony.
This extraordinary 240-kilometer (149-mile) segment, stretching between Haradh and Al Batha, mandates drivers to maintain a perfectly straight course for more than two hours without turning the steering wheel. The extreme lack of curves, visible inclinations, or changes in the barren desert horizon can induce significant driver fatigue and dangerous disengagement.
The highway was initially constructed as a private route for King Fahd but now serves as a vital artery. It facilitates the transport of goods between Saudi Arabia’s central and western regions and the United Arab Emirates.
This fully asphalted road predominantly features two lanes in each direction, accommodating a continuous flow of heavy truck traffic.
The remarkable straightness of the highway is largely due to its passage through the Rub’ al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter. This vast expanse, the world’s largest sand desert, presents no mountains, valleys, or significant geographical obstacles to bypass.
Speed limits on Highway 10 vary by vehicle type. Cars can travel up to 120 km/h (75 mph), buses up to 100 km/h (62 mph), and trucks up to 80 km/h (50 mph). While higher limits of 140 km/h (87 mph) were announced for light vehicles in 2018, the constant heavy traffic often prevents drivers from reaching these speeds in practice.
The psychological toll of such a monotonous drive is significant, leading to drowsiness and a potentially dangerous disconnection at the wheel. Occasional hazards like camels crossing the road further add to the challenge. The road’s unique demands are recognized, and it is listed on websites like “Dangerous Roads.”
In response to these risks, the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics has implemented various safety improvements. These include paved shoulders, reflective pavement markings, guardrails, kilometer markers, and clear orientation and warning signs.
Before Highway 10 claimed the record, Australia’s Eyre Highway held the title with a 146-kilometer (91-mile) straight section. This route traverses the Nullarbor Desert, offering another distinctive, albeit shorter, driving experience.