Going away on vacation is something that we all look forward to every year. It’s a chance to break away from our regular working lives, reduce our stress levels, spend time with our families and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Sadly, for some tourists, they don’t get the vacation that they had planned. There are many different kinds of holiday mishaps that holidaymakers can fall victim to, from food poisoning to slips and falls but one of the most common holiday disasters is becoming involved in a traffic accident. If you’re looking for a PI lawyer based in Alexandria click the link.
So, what is the reasoning behind these car accidents? Why do tourists often find themselves in the emergency room whilst on vacation? Here we’ll look at the most common reasons why road accidents involve tourists.
Driving under the influence
We all go on holiday to relax and let our hair down, which often means alcohol with almost every meal and between them too! Sadly, driving whilst under the influence makes you more likely to be involved in a car accident, risking not just your life but your passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
Driving whilst tired
We’re probably all familiar with how dangerous driving whilst tired can be. Keeping your eyes open is incredibly difficult. Many tourists who are suffering from jet lag or those who have been driving long distances to reach their destination are more likely to be involved in a car accident. When you’re tired your reaction-times are much slower and you may find yourself speeding, drifting into other lanes or falling asleep behind the wheel.
Driving whilst distracted
There’s a lot to see when you’re on holiday, from stunning views to eye-catching points of interest, not to mention your excited kids in the back seat all whilst you’re pressing buttons on your satnav or GPS. Driving without giving the road your full attention leaves you vulnerable and unable to react to sudden changes on the road, making a collision much more likely.
Unfamiliarity
The road signs are different, you’re unsure of the speed limit, no one seems to signal, and lanes don’t mean anything. Not to mention you’re finding driving on the other side of the road quite difficult. Unfamiliarity is a common reason why tourists find themselves in car accidents abroad. From narrow lanes and bridges to getting lost, mistaking the road signs or speed limit etc. It’s an accident waiting to happen!