Hairpin curves are sharp and dangerous turns on a road that require drivers to slow down to avoid accidents. Other synonyms for hairpin curves include switchbacks, zigzags, winding roads, and serpentine roads. The term switchback originates from the act of "switching back" and forth, while zigzag refers to the back-and-forth pattern of the curves. Winding roads describe the flowing motion of the curves, while serpentine roads can be likened to the movement of a snake. Regardless of the term used, hairpin curves are a common sight in mountainous regions and require careful driving to ensure safety while navigating through them.