When people go on vacation overseas they think about what they will need to pack and what vaccines they should have but many do not consider that they might be involved in a traffic accident.
However the number one cause for death of healthy travelers is traffic accidents, but with some awareness and knowledge there is a better chance you and your family will be safe.
The problem is indeed a large one with 1.3 million people killed on the roads each year and up to 50 million being injured. The vast majority of these deaths, some 85%, occur in poorer or middle income countries and every year 25,000 tourists die in traffic accidents. Of those people who are medically evacuated home to the United States around half are following a car accident.
The reasons why there are more crashes in developing countries are that the roads are not as well maintained, traffic laws not always enforced, less strict criteria for driving licenses and a lack of emergency care. In addition the medical care is often not up to the same standards as the United States. If tourists decide to drive abroad they may be forced to drive on a different side of the road and in a vehicle they are not familiar with. They make not know the local laws and they may take risks they would not at home such as drinking and driving.
In order to avoid a crash, don’t ride a motorcycle if you can avoid it, learn about the local laws, always wear a seatbelt, don’t drive at night and avoid getting on overcrowded public transport and poorly maintained taxis.
If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve full and fair compensation. Please call The Law Offices of Alan LeVar, at (844) 867-5053 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
