Driving Safely and Securely

Road Safety

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.2 million people worldwide are killed every year due to road accidents, and as many as 50 million are injured or disabled. The majority of these deaths, approximately 85 percent, occur in low to middle-income countries. It is estimated that more than 300 U.S. citizens die each year due to road accidents abroad and thousands more are injured. The majority of road crash victims (injuries and fatalities) in developing countries are not the motor vehicle occupants, but pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists and non-motor vehicle (NMV) occupants.

Potential victims of kidnapping and assault are probably most vulnerable when entering or leaving their homes or offices. Here are some quick safety tips to think about before your next trip:

• Always be aware of your surroundings and be alert for possible surveillance upon leaving or returning to your vehicle, home, or office.
• Never enter a car without checking the rear seat to ensure that it is empty.
• Do not develop predictable patterns.
• If possible, exchange company cars or swap with coworkers occasionally.
  
• Know the location of police, hospital, military, and government buildings should you need immediate assistance.
  
• Avoid trips to remote areas, particularly after dark.
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• Select well-traveled streets as much as possible.
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• Keep vehicles well-maintained at all times to avoid breakdowns.
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• When driving, remember to keep automobile doors locked and windows rolled up (if possible).
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• Be constantly alert to road conditions and surroundings.
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• Never pick up hitchhikers.
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• Carry a 3 x 5 card printed with important phrases in the local language.
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• Report all suspicious activity to the police.
  

Information for Students

Students, who may choose less expensive, often less reliable methods of local transportation while traveling interstate, should be aware of the potential dangers. Please see our Student’s Safety Traveling links, as well as the other information relating to safe traveling. Students traveling interstate should also be aware of the dangers of reckless behavior, including careless driving and driving under the influence. It should also be noted that penalties for persons judged responsible for automobile accidents resulting in injury or fatalities may be treated very seriously by authorities and result in extremely stiff prison sentences.

Tips on Driving Safely and Securely

• Obtain original National Driving License. (NDL)
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• Carry both original and copy of your NDL and all your car documents with you at all times.
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• Always "fastened your seat belt while driving.
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• You are required to always honk your horn before going around a sharp corner or to flash your lights before passing.
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• If you rent a car, make sure you have liability insurance. If you do not, this could lead to financial hardship.
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• If the local drivers in the state you are visiting drive on the left side of the road, it may be prudent to practice driving in a less populated area before attempting to drive in heavy traffic.
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• Always know the route you will be traveling. Have a good road map, and chart your course before beginning.
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• Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
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• When entering or exiting your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.

For more information on Road Safety visit Road Safety Commission