Car accidents while abroad account for more than half of all the international medical evacuations back to the United States. Of course, that should be of concern to travelers venturing abroad. However, there are steps you can take to prevent various types of car accidents while traveling overseas. That way, you never have to worry about handling a car accident abroad. Find out how to avoid car accidents in a foreign country by using these safe driving tips for travelers below.
Research Local Laws
The first step you can take to prevent accidents while traveling is to research all local driving regulations enforced by your desired destination. The better you know the rules of the road overseas, the better you will be able to assimilate into driving on their roads. The most common cause of accidents overseas are foreign drivers not knowing, or simply not following, the rules of the road for the country they are visiting. If you want to avoid car accidents while traveling, research all relevant driving laws for the destination. That way, you will be prepared ahead of time.
Determine Road Conditions
Drivers traveling abroad should also determine road conditions prior to traveling to their destination. Figure out whether the infrastructure of destination is actually viable for you to travel on. Drivers who are accustomed to neatly paved streets with plenty of flashing stop signs, traffic lights and pedestrian crossing signals may not be willing to drive on overgrown country roads in a foreign locale. The United States State Department has resources for travelers driving overseas to determine this information. Take advantage of those online tips for driving while traveling to a foreign country. They will certainly help you avoid a car accident while on vacation.
Stick To Daylight Drives
If you really want to avoid a car accident while vacationing, you should probably limit yourself to only driving during the daytime. Driving at night is more difficult, even in your hometown. This is especially true if you are traveling to a developing nation with fewer lamp posts or none at all. Driving in dark conditions while traveling is not ideal. It is much easier to make simple mistakes that could lead to unfortunate accidents. Drive only during daytime when traveling abroad. That way, you can reduce your risk of getting into a car accident in a foreign country.
Do Not Drive Under The Influence
Never drive under the influence of any substance. This is true both when you are driving at home and driving on vacation in a foreign country. Even the smallest amount of a substance, like alcohol, can impair hand eye coordination and vision. Other substances can also impair fine motor skills functioning as well as gross motor functioning. Ultimately, driving under the influence of mind-altering substances will greatly increase the likelihood of getting in an accident on vacation. As noted by car accident attorneys Willams Hart, “In the aftermath of an accident, people are often confused or unsure of what to do next. With lengthy recovery and healing ahead of you, the last thing you want to deal with is insurance companies and medical billing.” If you want to avoid getting in a car crash while traveling, be sure to avoid any and all substances, even in small quantities.
Always Wear A Seatbelt
Always wear a seatbelt when driving in a foreign country. In the United States, it is illegal to drive without a seatbelt on. But, the same is not true of other countries, particularly those that are considered developing nations. If you are traveling to a country where seatbelt laws are not enforced, make sure to wear your seatbelt anyway. This is one of the most important safety features in cars. Seatbelts may not prevent you from getting into an accident, but they will guarantee that you or your passengers are not injured or killed in a car crash while traveling abroad.
No one wants to get into a car accident, especially when you are traveling on vacation. Use the tips detailed above to help you avoid car accidents while traveling overseas. By familiarizing yourself with driving regulations of foreign countries and determining road conditions at your destination in advance of your arrival, you will greatly decrease your chance of getting in a car accident. Then, be sure to avoid driving at night or under the influence of any substances, and always wear your seatbelt when you are driving anywhere in the world. That way, you can avoid getting into an accident in a foreign country so you can have a great, restorative vacation abroad.
