Before getting behind the wheel, you should know some important tips to stay safe when driving abroad. Many families decide to take to the road on vacations to travel by car in some tourist destinations; unfortunately they are often negligent in safety.
In this article, we would give you 5 tips to keep your driving abroad safe as well as some interesting road safety statistics. The 5 tips in this article certainly can be applied in general in various countries. A waiver of the following may cause your trip abroad unsafe.
1. Prepare documentations for traveling abroad
You must always include the original documents of the driver's license, vehicle's technical sheet and last paid receipt of the circulation as well as insurance tax. All with effective date!
2. Prepare an international driver's license
In the case of driving abroad, you must obtain an international driver's license. And depending on the country you travel to, you may also need the Passages Card, for which we advise you to report to the corresponding embassy. In some countries you will also be required to have the International Insurance Certificate or Green Card to be covered in case of an accident.
3. Know the rules of circulation in foreign countries
Legislation, signals or fines may vary from one country to another, just as not all countries circulate on the right. In the United Kingdom, India, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, Indonesia, Australia, South Africa or Japan you drive on the left. There are regulations that do not differ with the one we have in our country. For example, in all countries of the European Union it is forbidden to drive while using the mobile phone or after having consumed alcohol or drugs. It is also mandatory to use seat belts, child seats for children, etc.
4. Understand traffic fines in foreign countries
Foreign drivers are vulnerable to fines. For example, foreign drivers account for 5% of European road traffic but their offenses represent 15% of the total. This is because many drivers 'skip the rules' because in many cases, if the country's authority does not stop you, the fine stays in the bin, something that is already changing by the will of the different countries to allow the cross-border exchange of information on traffic infractions. In any case, our recommendation is that you always comply with the rules, to avoid the fine but above all for your safety.
5. Prepare prescribed medications
Pack enough and even some more in case your plans change. Take copies of medical prescriptions. And if the medication is unusual, confirm that it is legal and that it is easily found in the country of destination. Ask the doctor to issue you a note with your letterhead for controlled substances and injectable medications. All medications are allowed in carry-on baggage, with the exception of liquids, but must be presented to the inspection officer separately from carry-on baggage. If you have a large number of medications, use the safety row for families with special needs. Don’t forget that car insurance for young drivers is something you might need!
Of course doing the above 5 tips does not make you completely free of the risk but at least you can minimize insecurity, discomfort and unwanted problems while driving abroad.