27-05-2025
Surge in crashes caused by tourists driving wrong way on Scottish roads
The number of collisions caused by overseas drivers on the wrong side of the road has increased by 46% in a year.
According to Transport Scotland, there were 35 collisions caused by overseas drivers' inexperience of driving on the left in 2023 – compared to just 24 recorded in the previous year.
Recently, there was a collision at the Glencoe Visitor Centre entrance from the A82 where someone looked in the wrong direction and pulled out in front of an oncoming vehicle.
In June 2024, a Chinese tourist killed a motorcyclist heading for the Highlands after driving on the wrong side of the A9 Inverness to Pitlochry road.
Five years ago, a 30-year-old man from Germany was behind the wheel of a hired Citreon C3 when he ended up on the wrong side of the road before smashing head-on into a Honda CRV.
His girlfriend, 24, did not survive the collision near Borlum Farm in Drumnadrochit on October 12, 2020.
The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched a campaign reminding visitors to drive safely and responsibly and, most importantly, on the left.
'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,' Scott McCombie, National Trust for Scotland's senior ranger at Glencoe National Nature Reserve, said.
'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.'
He added: 'We want to continue welcoming people to experience this amazing part of the country, so this is an important campaign that could save lives.'
With international travel to Scotland continuing to grow, the campaign will see Drive on the Left wristbands distributed to visitors via the hospitality sector and car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt and Europcar.
The wristbands will be available in eight languages, and Driving in Scotland leaflets will give visitors practical advice about driving on Scotland's roads.
'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,' transport minister Fiona Hyslop said.
'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.'
Hyslop said the campaign will aim to equip overseas drivers with the information they need to drive safely on Scotland's roads, 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,' she said.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
