Over one million people are killed in road accidents worldwide every year. Hundreds of U.S. citizens are among those killed and injured in road accidents. Many of these victims are bystanders or pedestrians. No matter where you are in the world, wearing a seat belt is critical; please protect yourself and buckle-up at all times both while abroad and in the United States.
We strongly encourage you to read about road safety in your destination country before you go there. There is a Road Safety section in every Country Information page. It is important to understand the rules of the road in your destination so that you can make plans for safe transportation.
Please keep the following road safety and security factors in mind when preparing for your trip, 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
- Carry spare tires
- Carry extra fuel
- Check the availability of roadside assistance
- Check which documents are required for operating a vehicle
- Consider Local Laws and Driving Culture
- Speed limits
- Traffic signals
- Honking
- Flashing your lights when passing
- Yielding to pedestrians
- Yielding to cyclists
- Aggressive driving
- Unlicensed or inexperienced drivers
- Driving age
- Prohibition of mobile phone usage while driving
- Drinking and driving
- Emergency response (ambulances)
- Local emergency service numbers (local 911 equivalent)
- Possible police corrupt activities
- Vehicle Safety Considerations
- Availability of seat belts for each passenger
- Required safety inspections
- Overloaded vehicles
Additional Resources:
Road Safety and Security
The Overseas Security Advisory Council provides information about personal security and safety while traveling abroad.
- Carjacking – Don’t be a victim
- Personal Security – At Home, On the Street, While Traveling
In addition, the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT)provides information for American families and business travelers about driving overseas.Reporting and Resources on International Road Safety
- United Nations Road Safety Collaboration
- European Red Cross Road Safety Campaign
- U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, International Programs
U.S. Government Links
- Department of Transportation
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Federal Highway Administration
- National Transportation Safety Board
- Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) – Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
Road Safety Statistics / Databases / Resources
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
- International Road Traffic and Accident Database (IRTAD)
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) – Transport Division: Road Safety Forum
- European Commission Road Safety
- Monash University (Australia): Comparison of International Road Fatality Rates
- Bureau of Transportation, Africa Road Safety Review
- United Nations Economic Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific – Road Accident Statistics and Road Safety
- International Road Federatio
- Global Road Safety Partnership
Source: U.S. Department of State, “Road Safety Overseas” http://travel.state.gov/ website. Accessed November 28, 2015. http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/safety/road.html
© Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. This content is strictly for informational purposes and although experts have prepared it, the reader should not substitute this information for professional insurance advice. If you have any questions, please consult your insurance professional before acting on any information presented. Read more.
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