The thought of packing your bags and heading off to the airport to do whatever you want to do for days on end is a luxury most of us have to dream about and plan for way in advance of actually doing it. You’ll need to book the time away from work. You’ll have to pick somewhere to go and see if the flights fit your schedule. Are there any nice hotels in the area? You’re going to need new clothes, probably. And foreign money. And let’s not forget the bag of toiletries, all in miniature and in a plastic see-through bag for the airport. There’s a whole to-do list of boxes to be ticked before you sit on that well-earned plane seat.
With all of that in mind, expectations are high. This took effort. Now you want it to all work out. That’s why when things go wrong, they seem a hundred times worse. And sometimes, they actually are a hundred times worse. Today, we’re going to look at travel tips to avoid drunk drivers. If you have been affected, follow the link to find a lawyer.
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Go where there are adults in charge
When I was a child, there was this thing that everybody did for their holidays. It was called Club 18-30, or simply known as 18-30 holidays. The numbers represent the age range of the target audience.
These days, resorts and holiday makers have taken the planning into their own hands. Cheap booze and drinking games to blow off steam attracts huge crowds. These places are hotspots for drink drivers. Stick to more scenic destinations where the likelihood of being mown down by a teenager driving a rented bucket of rust are slim to none.
Stay where the eye of the law is ever watchful
In general, people wanting to drink and drive are not going to do so in areas where they are highly likely to be caught by the police. This includes busy and well-lit tourist spots with a police presence.
If you do venture out into the various side roads and alleys in search of a place to have a quiet drink or enjoy an evening meal, stay aware of traffic in both directions - people traveling abroad for their holidays may come from a country where they drive on the opposite side of the road (meaning when they are drunk, they are unlikely to remember to switch sides).
Avoid driving at night
If you’ve hired a vehicle whilst you’re abroad, then it makes sense to avoid driving at night. Simply put, there are more drunk drivers at night, including people who are spilling out of bars and parties and don’t want to get a cab.
If you’re driving on unfamiliar roads at night, when visibility is reduced and you have drunk drivers to contend with, you’re more likely to be involved in an accident. If you have an evening planned, walk or take public transport.
Be wary of cab drivers and public transport drivers
It makes perfect sense to hail a cab to get you around your holiday destination. However, you should exercise caution just like you would at home. If you believe that the driver is intoxicated, or isn’t fit to drive then you should exit the vehicle immediately and inform the authorities. You might have to wait longer for the next cab to come along, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
You should apply the same rules to any kind of public transport, from buses to tuk tuks, minivans, and rickshaws. If the driver appears intoxicated or unstable, then look elsewhere.
Be wary of any local holidays or celebrations
Does your holiday destination have an annual celebration coming up? From a Spanish Fiesta to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, these kinds of celebrations usually have plenty of alcohol flowing - which is great fun, but also dangerous for road users.
Bear in mind that if you’re vacationing around the time of a local celebration, you may be more likely to encounter drunk drivers on the road. So, drive with caution or walk instead.
Defend yourself from drunk drivers
A simple, yet effective way to defend yourself from drunk drivers on the road abroad is to always wear your seat belt. Even if seat belts aren’t worn by the locals, you should practice road safety and buckle up. That applies to all your passengers.
Maintain plenty of distance
If you do find yourself following what appears to be a drunk driver, then exercise caution. Drunk drivers will move erratically on the road so make sure you maintain plenty of distance between you and the car in front.
Look out for swerving, drifting into another lane, excessive speeding and then stopping, or other strange driving behaviors. If possible, ask a passenger to call the police to report the vehicle. And remain calm behind the wheel.
So, there you have it: our top travel tips to avoid drunk drivers! Keep this advice in mind to make sure you stay safe on the road and nothing comes to ruin your holiday.
Do you have a question or an extra tip to suggest? Let us know in a comment below!