Don't Wreck Your Vacation!

Most people think about travel vaccines when they're planning an international trip, but few people consider the possibility that they might be involved in a car crash. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among healthy travelers, and no vaccine can prevent a car wreck. Fortunately, a little bit of knowledge and awareness can go a long way toward keeping you safe.

Just the Stats

Each year, 1.3 million people are killed and 20–50 million are injured in motor vehicle crashes worldwide. Most (85%) of these casualties occur in low- or middle-income countries, and 25,000 of the deaths are among tourists. Nearly half of medical evacuations back to the United States are the result of a car crash, and a medical evacuation can cost upward of $100,000.

Why Are Car Crashes a Risk for Travelers?

More and more people are driving cars and riding motorcycles in developing countries, and these countries are an increasingly common destination for US tourists. Roads in these countries may be poorly maintained, and traffic laws may be haphazardly followed or enforced. A crash in a developing country is more likely to be fatal because emergency care may not be readily available. It may take a long time to get to a center that can provide appropriate care, and care, where available, may not be up to US standards.
Tourists may get behind the wheel in a foreign country without being adequately informed of local traffic laws, they may not be accustomed to driving on the left, or they may be driving vehicles (such as rented motorcycles or scooters) that they do not know how to properly operate. In addition, the excitement of being on vacation may encourage travelers to engage in risky behaviors, such as drinking and driving, that they would never do at home.

What Can I Do to Avoid a Crash?

Take the following steps to minimize your risk of being injured in a crash while you're on vacation:

Always wear seatbelts and put children in car seats.
When possible, avoid riding in a car in a developing country at night.
Don't ride motorcycles. If you must ride a motorcycle, wear a helmet.
Know local traffic laws before you get behind the wheel.
Don't drink and drive.
Ride only in marked taxis that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overweight, or top-heavy buses or vans.
Be alert when crossing the street, especially in countries where people drive on the left.

Following these tips is the best way you can keep from getting in a motor vehicle crash and ensure a safe and healthy vacation. (But don't forget your travel vaccines, either!)