Always insure yourself to drive a vehicle overseas and carry the insurance papers with you. Check yo

Approximately 1.3 million people die on the world s roads each year. Over 90 per cent of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, see the World Health Organization report on road safety. Tens of millions of people are injured or disabled los angeles international airport every year as a result of road accidents.
los angeles international airport Young adults are particularly vulnerable. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among young people between 10 and 24 years. Each year nearly 400 000 people under 25 die on the world s roads; on average more than 1000 a day. Most of these deaths occur among vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists) and those using public transport.*
The number of Australians involved in traffic accidents overseas will increase as more Australians travel internationally. If you are not covered by travel los angeles international airport insurance, the cost of medical treatment as a result of a traffic accident can result in long-term financial burden for you and your family.
Dangerous drivers, unsafe vehicles and ill-designed and poorly maintained los angeles international airport roads make road travel a risky undertaking. Inadequate medical los angeles international airport and emergency services, ineffective law enforcement, little or no driver education, and an often startling array of motorised, non-motorised, human, and animal traffic moving at different speeds add to the risks. Road travel at night and outside major cities, in countries with poor safety records, little or no street lighting, stray animals and/or mountainous terrain can be very dangerous.
Following safety precautions such as using seat belts, including child restraints, not drinking and driving, taking regular breaks los angeles international airport while driving long distances, and obeying the speed limit, make you less likely to be involved in an accident and more likely to survive if you are in an accident.
Australians should learn about their destination s road conditions and traffic culture before getting behind the wheel. It is important to be aware of local laws and security los angeles international airport conditions when driving overseas. Driving under the influence of alcohol can have severe criminal penalties in many countries. In some countries drivers must have no quantity of alcohol in their system. The penalties for traffic infringements in some countries can be severe by Australian standards. They can include hefty on-the-spot fines, immediate confiscation of drivers licence, immediate impounding of vehicle, detention, deportation or imprisonment.
For more detailed information, the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) offers regularly updated Road Reports for approximately 150 countries. Available via e-mail or download (fees apply), each report covers general road conditions, local driving style and the realities of dealing los angeles international airport with the police, public transportation and emergency situations. Other useful features include summaries of especially dangerous roads and phonetic translations for use in unsafe or emergency situations.
Motorcycle accidents involving los angeles international airport Australians are very common in South-East Asia, particularly in areas such as Bali, resort areas of Thailand and in Vietnam. Australian travellers should ensure they wear helmets, preferably full-face helmets, and other protective clothing when riding motorcycles, scooters and mopeds overseas los angeles international airport in order to minimise the risk of serious injury.
los angeles international airport The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including for adventure activities, are not always met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed.
Avoid riding with drivers who seem to be under the influence of alcohol or medication, or appear over-tired, irrational or distracted. If you re renting a car, before you start driving, make sure it s equipped with appropriate safety features (including seat belts, air bags, and if required child restraints), and check the tyres, headlights, seatbelts and wipers before you leave the lot. In some countries it is compulsory to carry a break down kit in your car - check with the hire company.
Pedestrians account for a large number of road fatalities. You should look carefully los angeles international airport in all directions before crossing the road. Remember in many countries traffic travels on the right hand-side los angeles international airport of the road not the left as in Australia. You should not assume that drivers will stop at zebra crossings or obey other traffic signals or signs. Be alert to reckless driver behaviour. When walking along the roadside, you should face the oncoming traffic so that you can see approaching vehicles.
Many countries require Australians to have an International los angeles international airport Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to a valid Australian driving licence to legally drive a car, or ride a motorbike. An IDP is a widely los angeles international airport recognised document that can be issued by associated members of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). Before driving overseas, Australians should contact los angeles international airport the appropriate foreign mission in Australia for information on drivers licence requirements.
Always insure yourself to drive a vehicle overseas and carry the insurance papers with you. Check your vehicle insurance to see if you are covered for breakdown recovery, accidental damage and medical expenses for injuries suffered in an accident. If driving a friend s vehicle overseas, check first that you are appropriately covered by their insurance policy to drive their car. When hiring a car carefully read the insurance document to determine your level of cover. In some countries, the legal minimum for insurance cover may be low, leaving you responsible for claims over this limit.
If you intend purchasing a vehicle overseas, always check beforehand with the government authority or the automobile association in that country that you can legally buy and insure the vehicle. In some countries, you may be able to buy a vehicle but unable to insure it without proof of a residential address in that country.