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Prevention of Accidents while on Business Overseas

For the under-50 age group in the United Kingdom, accidents account for most injuries and deaths abroad. Accident prevention is therefore an essential ingredient for safe business travel and one way of making the most of your time abroad.

Car accidents account for the most deaths overseas. They do not just leave families without a partner, but also ruin the lives of many people through serious injury and disability. Car accident statistics vary from country to country as road conditions and car safety standards differ. While risk of death through car accidents is high in Asia and Africa, rates are also high in many European countries, especially in Southern Europe. Some safe thinking ahead is the best way to preventing accidents.

If you are planning to rent a vehicle at your destination, always check it for safety prior to driving away. Look at the brakes, tires and seat belts in particular.

Any car rented from a reputable company overseas should be fitted with an airbag and other safety equipment you would expect at home, especially in other European countries.

Always read up on rules of the road for the country you are visiting and make sure you know what to do in an emergency.

Check how much car insurance is included with your car and make sure it is enough for the amount of driving you will be doing.

Avoid travelling at night, as unfamiliar roads can be hazardous in the dark.

Never drink and drive!! If you must drink, book a taxi from a reputable firm to get you back to your hotel safely.

Never drive after you have been drinking - rules on alcohol limits vary from country to country and it is better to have nothing than risk getting caught 'above the limit'.

Carry with you all your travel documents - license and insurance forms, and emergency contact numbers.

If you are taking the family, make sure you will be able to hire a child seat for the car or, if in doubt, take one with you.

Always wear you seat belt - even if it is not required by law in the country you are visiting.

Other advice on preventing accidents during your Business trip

When crossing the road in a foreign country always remember which way the traffic is coming from.

When staying in hotels make it a habit to run through a safety check - locate the fire escapes, check where the extinguishers are, and check the safety of balconies and other equipment, especially if you are travelling with your family.

Young children - tie a label to their clothes with the name and telephone number of the hotel on, just in case they wander off!

When going swimming always swim with others in open water, check the tide times, local currents and wind directions.

When using hotel pools check the depths before diving in and if you want to swim in the evening allow at least an hour after you have eaten.

Check the electrics in the room you are staying especially the bath and shower fixtures.

In some parts of the world it is dangerous to swim in fresh water due to the danger of contracting certain diseases, as well as a risk of sharks, crocodiles and other poisonous creatures. Assess your risk before you leave by discussing your destination with your Travel Health advisor.

If you want to try out a new sport make sure adequate supervision is provided. Ensure that the equipment is in good condition and you are at a level of good personal fitness.

If you have some free time and want to explore alone, it is good practice to let someone know where you are going and when you hope to be back.