Number of Scots crashes caused by foreign motorists soars by 46 per cent in a year
Tourists are being reminded to drive on the left in a new campaign
SMASH SURGE Number of Scots crashes caused by foreign motorists soars by 46 per cent in a year
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THE number of crashes caused by foreign motorists has soared by 46 per cent in a year, figures reveal.
Tourists are being reminded to drive on the left in a new campaign launched following the spike in road accidents.
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The campaign was launched by Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland
Credit: Smarts on behalf of the Scottish Government
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It was launched to remind tourists to drive on the left side of the road
Credit: Alamy
The latest data shows 35 collisions in Scotland in 2023 were due to overseas visitors' inexperience of the rule, up from 24 the year before.
International travel to Scotland continues to grow, with the increasing popularity of road trips such as the North Coast 500.
In June last year a Chinese tourist killed a biker who was travelling to fulfil a 'bucket list' wish of touring the NC500.
Motorist Die Huang, 51, was driving on the wrong side of the road when she hit Andrew MacPherson's bike, throwing him into the air on the A9 near Calvine in Perthshire.
She admitted causing the death of Mr MacPherson, 63, from Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, by driving dangerously and was jailed for 14 months last November.
Huang was also disqualified from driving for five years and seven months.
Judge Lord Harrower told Huang: 'No sentence of this court can alleviate the anguish being suffered by Mr MacPherson's entire family.'
Car rental firms and the hospitality sector will now hand out leaflets offering international holidaymakers tips on navigating single-track roads, roundabouts and junctions.
They will also be given Drive On The Left reminder wristbands, available in eight languages, as part of the campaign — a partnership between the Government and Road Safety Scotland.
The campaign, launched by Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland, is set to help overseas drivers keep themselves and other road users safe.
The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon
It is being supported by organisations and businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors - with some saying it "could save lives"
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.
"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."
As part of the campaign, motorists will be given Drive on the Left wristbands - available in eight languages.
Driving in Scotland leaflets will also be available for practical advice about driving on Scotland's roads.
These will be handed out to visitors in the hospitality sector and car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt and Europcar.
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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International travel to Scotland continues to grow, with the increasing popularity of road trips such as the North Coast 500
Credit: Alamy
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