The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has launched a road safety campaign for Brits driving abroad after an increase in accidents.
Feedback from FCO consular staff shows a high number of road traffic accidents affecting British tourists and expats in destinations like Thailand, Australia and Spain.
It says road conditions, driving standards and laws vary widely and some countries experience much higher rates of road traffic accidents and fatalities than the UK.
As part of the campaign, the FCO is launching an online tool to give people access to specific road safety advice for the country they will be driving in, see here.
www.fcowidget.com
In Spain, spectacle wearers are required by law to carry an additional pair and in some cities, cars must be parked on different sides of the road according to the day of the week.
In Russia, drivers are not allowed to pick up hitchhikers and in Scandinavia it is illegal to drive without headlights, even in daylight.
While in Belarus, it is illegal to drive a dirty car, claims the government department.
Mark Kent, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, said: "British nationals using the roads in Thailand should bear in mind that road laws and driving customs here are different from those in the UK and road conditions, driving standards and road traffic regulations can vary.
"I have visited hospitals here and heard from doctors how many deaths could have been avoided by following the law and taking the appropriate precautions, such as safety helmets. You should check that your travel insurance specifically covers you for driving a scooter or any other vehicle abroad."
