While taking a trip to a different country can be a great way to gain some perspective and develop an appreciation for the world and culture around you, it also opens you up for some potential dangers. For example, if you’re going to get hurt or killed while traveling, the chances are pretty high that this incident will come as the result of a car accident or other traffic mishap. So to eliminate the high risks associated with this and keep you as well as those around you protected, here are three road safety tips you should follow when you’re traveling in a developing country.
Pick The Safest Option
Depending on the country you’re visiting, they may have a lot of different options for transportation. While you may be familiar with some, others might be completely foreign to you. And although you might think riding on a motorcycle through the streets of India would be something you’ll always remember, it’s going to be a much better idea to pick the safest option available to you. According to the CDC, the safest option for transportation means choosing when not to ride on something. So rather than choosing to get on a packed bus or a motorcycle, choose a marked taxi or other form of transportation that would be deemed a little safer.
Avoid Night Driving
Especially when traveling in developing countries, you’re going to want to be extra careful when driving at night. If at all possible, it’s going to be best to try to avoid this situation completely. According to Tanya Mohn, a contributor to NBC News, many drivers in developing countries don’t consistently use their lights when driving at night. This can make this extra dangerous when you consider that things like speed limits or stop signs aren’t reliably posted in many places. So rather than taking this risk, try to do all your traveling during the day when in developing countries.
Do Your Research
When choosing what transportation services to use, it’s a good idea to do some research before you book a ticket or get on board. To do this, Elissa Leibowitz Poma, a contributor to Smarter Travel, recommends putting in the transportation company’s name and phrases like “safety record” or “crash” into a search engine. If the results pull up information that’s less than favorable for that company, seriously consider the risks before you choose to proceed rather than finding a new way to travel.
While many people are perfectly safe when traveling in developing countries, it’s always good to know what you can do to mitigate even more risks. To help you do this, consider using the tips mentioned above the next time you’re visiting a developing country.