Over one million people are killed in road accidents worldwide every year. A good number of these victims are either bystanders or pedestrians. Regardless of where you are in the world, wearing a seat belt is critical, so always take steps to protect yourself and others by buckling-up at all times, especially when driving in unfamiliar surroundings abroad.
It would be in your best interests to read about road safety in your destination country before you go there. It is important to understand the rules of the road in your destination so that you are prepared and know what to expect when you get there.
There are some basic road safety and security factors that you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip, with sensible adjustments depending on your specific destination:
Potential Hazards and Dangerous Road Conditions:
- Bad weather
- Seasonal driving hazards
- Driving at night
- Driving in isolated areas
- Livestock or obstacles in the road
- Difficult terrain
- Road markings and signs
- Stoplights and traffic signals
- Lighting
- Narrow roads
- Crash barriers
- Local roads you should avoid
Be Prepared: If you are driving your own car
- Make sure you have a spare tire
- Carry extra fuel
- Check the availability of roadside assistance
- Check local licencing requirements for operating a vehicle.
Be mindful of Local Laws and Driving Culture:
- Speed limits
- Traffic signals
- Honking your horn
- Flashing your lights when passing
- Yielding to pedestrians
- Yielding to cyclists
- Aggressive driving
- Unlicensed or inexperienced drivers
- Driving age
- Prohibition of mobile phone usage
- Drinking and Driving
- Emergency Response (ambulances)
- Make a note of Local emergency service numbers in the event of a road traffic incident
- Consider the potential prospect of possible police corruption in some countries or areas
Vehicle Safety Considerations:
- Availability of seat belts for each passenger
- Required safety inspections
- Overloaded vehicles
Additional resources:
Road Safety and Security
https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/safety/driving.html