So back to the OP's original question. I've done this section, once each way (years apart). Other than elevation gain, there is nothing that I would consider dangerous. Are there some spots where you could go off a drop off? Sure, but not any more than any other road.
There is 2600 feet of elevation between Jacobs Lake and the flat section of the road around Vermillion Cliffs. In just over 13 miles.
I'm sure the section they are referring to is the last few miles where the switch backs are, before you get to the bottom. Check out Google street view to see what the switch backs look like.
Both my trips were in a 30 Foot class C.