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(c) Elliott Publishing.

Road Kill
Err Travel · December 12, 2001

Traffic accidents are the major cause of death and serious injury of westerners traveling abroad. Particularly, the mortality rates on the roads of developing nations - those countries that are rapidly growing as business and tourist destinations - are alarmingly high.

For instance, the chances of being mowed down on the roads of Turkey or Morocco are 22 times higher than in the US or the UK. In Egypt and Kenya, among the most popular tourist destination in Africa, the risk of being wiped out on the road is 40 times higher.

Rochelle Sobel, founder of the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) attributes the increased risk of traffic deaths in developing countries to several factors. These include deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate traffic enforcement, minimal safety standards, poor driver education, and substandard medical services. Nevertheless, if you find yourself traveling in a developing nation, Sobel offers these tips to help you prevent becoming foreign road kill.

Travel planning

  • Avoid night travel in countries with poor safety records and/or mountainous terrain.

  • If possible, obtain the name of a competent physician and medical facility in the country you are visiting.

    Pedestrian travel

  • Be aware of traffic patterns.

  • Be alert to driver behavior that jeopardizes pedestrian safety.

    Rental car travel

  • Insist that your vehicle be equipped with safety features such as seat belts, shoulder lap belts, air bags (in seats where children and petite adults are not sitting), and daytime running lights.

  • Check tires, headlights, wipers, and brakes.

  • Get information regarding roadway and traffic patterns.

    Learn about highway hazards and driving conditions specific to the country in which you are traveling.

    Bus and taxi travel

  • Avoid overcrowded buses and minivans.

  • Be alert for reckless driving.

  • If you find the driver to be irresponsible, disembark at the next stop.

  • Report reckless driving to the bus or taxi company and register a complaint with your embassy and with ASIRT.

    Motorcycle travel

  • Avoid this form of transportation whenever possible.

  • If you do choose motorcycle travel, insist that you be provided with a helmet or bring your own. If you are on or near a roadway in a developing country, you are in the "kill zone." Don't let down your guard.

    Dr. Terry Riley is a psychologist and travel security authority. He is author of the popular book Travel Can Be Murder. Visit his site at http://www.appliedpsychology.com or e-mail him at terry@ticked.com.

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