Concern as crashes caused by tourists jumps by 46 per cent
Latest figures show there were 35 collisions caused by overseas drivers' inexperience of driving on the left – a 46% increase on the 24 collisions recorded in the previous year.
With international travel to Scotland continuing to grow, the campaign reinforces the requirement to drive on the left and highlights other useful information about Scotland's roads to help overseas drivers ensure the safety of themselves and other road users.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: 'Scotland is a beautiful country and we want our visitors to make the most of their trip, but Scotland's roads can present real challenges for overseas visitors. With rural single-track routes, rapidly changing weather, unfamiliar road signs, and quiet stretches where drivers may lose concentration, it's essential that visitors are aware of the need to drive on the left.
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'Our Drive on the Left campaign aims to equip overseas drivers with the information they need to drive safely, including tips on navigating single-track roads, passing places, roundabouts, and junctions. We are urging all visitors who will be getting behind the wheel during their trip to ensure they travel safely by planning ahead, staying alert, taking regular breaks and knowing the rules of the road."
The campaign will see Drive on the Left wristbands, available in eight languages, be distributed to visitors via the hospitality sector and car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt and Europcar, along with Driving in Scotland leaflets offering practical advice about driving on Scotland's roads.
It is also being supported by organisations and businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors, to ensure as many overseas drivers as possible are reminded to drive on the left while visiting Scotland.
Scott McCombie, National Trust for Scotland's Senior Ranger at Glencoe National Nature Reserve, said: "Each year, those of us who live and work in the Highlands see a number of collisions on roads involving folk who are not used to driving on the left. Just recently there was a collision at our Visitor Centre entrance from the A82 where someone looked the wrong direction and pulled out in front of an oncoming vehicle. Luckily, no one was hurt but it could have been more serious.
'We want to continue welcoming people to experience this amazing part of the country, so this is an important campaign that could save lives."
Amanda Brandon, Director of Member Engagement, BVRLA, said: 'Overseas travellers represent a core portion of rental customers every year and it is vital that they travel safely. The risks are greater with people that are not used to driving in Scotland. Many won't have driven on the left before, on top of the fatigue, confusion or distraction that come with being in a new country. It is therefore critical that the BVRLA and its rental members, in conjunction with the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland, come together to reduce those risks and ensure all road users can travel safely.
'Through practical guidance, prompts throughout their hire, and the conscious effort of rental providers at the point of handover, this partnership helps overseas travellers to drive safely and confidently while visiting Scotland.'
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