Road traffic accidents are common all over the world so much so the UK Foreign Office has introduced a road safety campaign aimed specifically at British nationals who drive abroad. The campaign is intended to reduce the number of Brits who are involved in road traffic accidents abroad and to reduce the number of Britons who are killed and injured on foreign roads.
The campaign was developed after Foreign Office staff overseas reported road traffic accidents and incidents where affecting a high number if British tourists and expats. Deaths as a result of road traffic accidents are the second most common cause of death abroad with dying as a result of natural causes being the most common.
Being involved in a road traffic accident or incident can be a terrifying experience. I am not surprised that UK travellers who have been involved in an accident seek advice or assistance from Foreign Office staff. I hope the campaign does reduce the number of road traffic accidents and save lives.
In addition to highlighting the risks to British tourists the campaign also highlights some unusual laws that other countries have. For example in Germany it is illegal to drive without winter tyres at certain times of the year and in Russia it is forbidden to pick up hitch hikers.
