The Automobile Association (AA) has issued some timely advice for football fans heading for the Euro 2004 championships in Portugal, which is the country with the most dangerous roads in Europe.
According to The Times, Portugal has the highest road death rate in Europe, with 21 deaths per 100,000 people compared to six per 100,000 in the UK. The newspaper states that the high death rate is caused by “speeding, drink-driving, dangerous overtaking and the poor state of some of the country’s roads”.
The Times quotes the US-based Association for Safe International Road Travel, which states: “Excessive speed is the leading cause of fatalities. Unpredictable driving habits, dangerous lane changing and passing also contribute to high accident rates. Driving under the influence of alcohol is common.”
The newspaper also quotes Andrew Howard, of the AA: “Motorists caught up in the football fever may be tempted to have one, or more, for the road. It could be fatal.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
