Swallowed-Up Route Proving Troublesome for Trucks Near North Dakota Oil Field: Any Vehicle Attempting this Challenging Path Risk Becoming an Unfortunate Casualty
In North Dakota's Bakken oil fields, a seemingly ordinary road—dubbed the "Road of Shame"—proves treacherous for even the most capable off-road vehicles. Located on 135th Ave NW, this unassuming dirt track swallows up vehicles like Tacomas and Jeeps without a trace, leaving their rescuers themselves at risk of becoming stranded.
The soft, loose soil composing the Road of Shame transforms into quicksand-like terrain when wet, making it near-impossible to traverse. Although the road appears manageable when dry, moisture causes vehicles to sink without hope of escape. The reason for the soft soil is believed to be the worsened erosion near oil extraction sites resulting from increased runoff.
Despite the dangers, off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the Road of Shame due to its formidable reputation. A Facebook group dedicated to the challenging road attracts thrill-seekers who believe they can conquer the muddy terrain and earn legendary status. Numerous social media and YouTube videos document these attempts, even though the remote location in North Dakota might seem an unlikely venue for such feats.
Locals have seen over 300 cars get stuck in the Road of Shame's mud during the past decade, according to Devin Davis, a long-time observer. The ongoing issue is partly due to popular navigation apps like Google and Apple Maps leading users down the road, unaware of the danger. While oil field workers rely on the road for transportation, even trucks as large as semis and delivery vehicles have succumbed to the treacherous surface.
The road's steep incline into hidden ditches on either side poses another hazard, causing vehicles to slide off and potentially tip over when drivers attempt to avoid deep mud puddles in the middle. Even experienced drivers lose control on the slippery road when it's wet, Davis explained.
For travelers and residents alike, it's advisable to steer clear of the Road of Shame altogether. Humans and machines alike have met their match on this unforgiving stretch, so it's best to avoid a costly—or deadly—encounter with the infamous road.
The dangerous and unpredictable Road of Shame, located in North Dakota, calls for both seasoned off-road vehicles and drivers in the industry, due to its reputation in the automotive world. Despite the grave consequences, sports enthusiasts seek this challenge, fueled by thrill-seeking Facebook groups and shared videos of their attempts on social media platforms like YouTube. Meanwhile, unsuspecting drivers, even those in finance with delivery trucks, have fallen victim to the road's deceiving terrain over the past decade.
