So you're off on holiday, an adventure of a life time, you love to drive and explore. You're an independent go as you please type. So what's there to worry about? Although there has been much standardization of traffic signs across the world the process is far from complete. Traffic signs do vary country to country, as do the laws and statutes in relation to driving offenses and accidents. You are expected to know the law and traffic regulations in your host country.
In some countries the penalties for being involved in an accident are severe. For example in many Asian countries the police will impound your car if you have been involved in an accident in which a person other than yourself was injured.
In Thailand you will have to
pay compensation at the roadside and pay for an ambulance to take your victim to hospital and pay for his or her emergency room costs. If the third party is seriously injured you will be arrested, taken to a police station and detained until investigations are complete.
Back home you have driven on one side of the road ever since you passed your driving test. If you are an American or Canadian you will be fine driving in mainland Europe because they drive on the right too. However if you want to cross the English Channel you'll have to switch to the left hand side of the road.
Some Europeans think the British are eccentric with their left hand driving. However, did you know that many, perhaps the majority of countries in the world, also drive on the left hand side of the road? Do you think this is a tall story? Check it out on the internet for Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, and China. Did you check it out? See what I mean?
Self drive holidays are a joy, you can visit places not served by public transport, see things that other package tourists do not see and feel free too. But the bywords are planning and safety. Get in touch with your Automobile Association, they can provide you with detailed information, arrange an international drive's license, maps, provide you with your host countries Highway Code and a vital safety check list.
Collision Damage Waver (CDW) insurance is important but only protects you from financial loss in respect to the vehicle. You must have accident insurance; check your travel insurance carefully to make sure that you are covered for traumatic injury. Ensure that you have enough cover for repatriation and if possible legal fees. Be aware that any costs that you incur in a foreign country will have to be paid before you leave. Drive carefully and have a great holiday,
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