Driving can be a lot of fun, but it is also dangerous. Nearly 1.3 million people die in road accidents every year. That’s over 3,000 deaths per day. 50 million people are injured, and the majority of them are younger than 44.
The World Health Organization conducted a study that identified the top 10 most dangerous places for drivers based on factors like traffic laws, social instability, road conditions, pedestrian movements, and police behaviour. Regulations to improve road safety include the use of Chapter 8 chevrons on vehicles that stop on the highway. Find out more by visiting www.pvluk.com/chapter-8-chevrons/
Eritrea is the worst place for driving with 48 road fatalities per 100,000 residents. Libya is a close second with 40.5 road deaths per 100,000. Iraq is ranked poorly, with 31.5 fatalities per 100,000 residents. These are fairly remote destinations that we wouldn’t choose as a holiday destination. However, South Africa and Thailand, with their 31.9 and 38.1 deaths per 100,000 respectively, are two countries visited by a lot of Brits every year.
There are also some particularly dangerous roads in Laos. Kenya, Ecuador, Brazil, and Vietnam. Paraguay, Venezuela, Nigeria and the Dominican Republic also have dangerous driving conditions.
Norway is one of the safest countries to drive. Driving in America is two times as dangerous as driving on the Canadian highways, and Portugal is less safe than the rest of Western Europe.
The countries with lowest death rates include:
Norway – 2.9 deaths per 100,000
Denmark and Sweden – 3
Britain – 3.5
Switzerland – 3.4
Israel – 3
Maldives – 1.9
San Marino – 0
The road safety situation is constantly improving, but drivers must also take part in the improvement. Safety is dependent on driving carefully. Drivers who are reckless put pedestrians, other road users and passengers at risk. Even a minor collision can cause financial problems, road disruptions, insurance claims, and even legal action.
There are also financial advantages to driving carefully. Safe driving can reduce your insurance premium. You can prove that you are a safe driver if you have fitted a vehicle tracker. The data will be sent directly to the insurance company. The premiums you pay are determined by factors such as how many accidents you have been in, if you have had claims against you or if you have made any. You’re less likely to be involved in an accident that will increase your insurance premiums if you drive safely.
