Exploring the world by car is one of the most thrilling ways to discover new travel destinations, offering the freedom to venture beyond the well-trodden tourist trails and uncover hidden gems at your own pace.

While you may initially require a flight or series of flights to reach your international travel destination, consider planning an itinerary that allows you to rent a car and hit the open road for an epic international road trip.   

Of course, when it comes to driving overseas, it can be challenging to navigate unfamiliar roads, understand local traffic laws, and adapt to different driving habits and road conditions. Driving in foreign country requires careful preparation and awareness, and to help keep you safe behind the wheel on international roads, we thought we’d share some of our top essential international driving and road safety tips.

5 Essential Road Safety Tips for Adventurous Travelers

Understand Local Road Rules and Regulations

It would be wonderful if driving were the same no matter where you travel to, but the simple reality is that most often different countries each have their own specific set of road rules and distinct driving culture.

If you plan on renting a vehicle for an international road trip, your preparation begins with researching whether you will need an international driving permit in addition to your normal license. This permit translates your license into multiple languages, making it easier for local authorities to verify your driving credentials.

The next step is to go online and read up on the local driving laws and regulations of the destination you plan on driving in. The best resources include browsing official government websites, travel forums, and guidebooks which can offer insight on aspects of driving like speed limits, traffic signs, road etiquette, and any unique local rules.

It’s important to note that not all countries drive on the same side of the road. While most countries may follow in the steps of Americans and drive on the right side of the road, residents of countries like Australia and England switch things up by driving on the left.

Road signs can also differ greatly from one country to another. It’s vital you learn the meaning of the common traffic signs you are likely to encounter. Understanding the meaning of signs will not only keep you safe but also avoids potential traffic fines which can be quite hefty in some countries.  

If you do experience an unfortunate accident while driving abroad or receive a serious traffic infringement, it’s recommended you consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to avoid such incidents potentially impacting things like your travel visa or any travel or rental car insurance claims.

Driving habits and road etiquette is another area that can prove dramatically different between countries. For example, you may live in a country where most drivers follow driving regulations strictly, while other nations see drivers being quite laxed with the rules, so much so that the local road rules seem to act merely as suggestions rather then laws that are followed or enforced.

Don’t hesitate to ask locals, hotel staff, or your car rental company for tips on driving in the area. They can provide valuable insights into common traffic traps, local customs, the best routes to take, and how to avoid or pay tolls if necessary.

Driving Off-Road Abroad

Nothing turns a simple road trip into an adventurous one more than leaving the bitumen or pavement to do a bit of off-road driving. Exploring remote national parks and off the beaten path attractions often means taking to unpaved roads or dirt tracks, and there are things you need to be aware of if you plan to do some off-road driving yourself.  

Not all rental vehicles are equipped for off-road driving, so you will need to be a bit more selective when choosing a rental to ensure its offers 4WD or AWD capabilities. You will likely require greater ground clearance, more robust tires, and various off-road features such as car snorkels which are common when driving in Outback Australia.

Ensure your rental agreement includes insurance coverage for off-road driving. Some rental companies may have restrictions or additional requirements for driving off-road. Some may not allow off-road driving at all and may have their vehicles equipped with GPS technology that can prove if you ventured off paved roads or not.

Different travel destinations often have diverse off-road terrains, from deserts and mountains to jungles and mud tracks. Understand the type of terrain you’ll be encountering and prepare accordingly, while also familiarizing yourself with your rental’s off-road features.

Plan your route ahead of time and stick to designated off-road trails whenever possible. Keep in mind that off-road driving often means venturing into remote areas that may lack cell reception so it’s best to carry a reliable GPS and physical maps or digital maps you can access offline.

Driving on remote unpaved roads also means you should be self-sufficient when it comes to making minor repairs if necessary. Carry essential items such as a tow rope, winch, shovel, traction mats, a jack, full-size spare tire, and possibly extra fuel.

Bring plenty of water and food as well since off-road driving can be unpredictable and you may end up spending more time in remote areas than planned if you break down or get stuck somewhere due to weather.

Off-road driving requires a different approach than on paved roads. Drive slowly, avoid sudden turns, and keep a steady pace. Use low-range gears for better control on steep inclines or declines, and always keep an eye out for wildlife and livestock crossing the roads which is more common when off-road driving.

Drive Safely in all Weather Conditions

In a perfect world, you’d be blessed with clear sunny days for your entire international rod trip, but the reality is that you may have to face driving in torrential rain, fog, snow, or extreme temperatures. Therefore, it’s vital you prepare yourself for a variety of weather conditions that could potentially impact you.

Driving safely in all weather conditions starts with inspecting your rental vehicle upon picking it up to make sure the windshield wipers are fully functioning, the tires have a good amount of tread, all lights are working, heating and cooling work, and you have any essential added gear such as chains for tires if needed for driving through extreme wintry conditions.

Cars these days are also equipped with some pretty handy safety features, but it pays to know how they work. Familiarize yourself with features like anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control to understand how such features can assist you with maintaining control in bad weather.

The best way to stay safe in extreme weather is to avoid driving in it altogether, so always keep an eye on local weather forecasts. Knowing forecasts ahead of time can help you avoid severe weather by either choosing alternative routes or altering your travel schedule to drive before or after bad weather is predicted to hit.

Wet roads increase the risk of losing traction and hydroplaning. Slowing down will help you to maintain better control when driving in heavy rain, and turning on headlights will allow other drivers to see you more easily. Wet conditions also require longer stopping distances, so maintain a greater distance between you and cars in front of you.

In icy conditions, always apply brakes gently and avoid braking suddenly as this can cause your car to skid and lose control. Never drive through flood waters since you never know just how deep waters can be. There could be hidden potholes or sections of the road that have washed away that are not visible beneath the water.

Even driving in especially windy conditions can prove to be a hazard, especially for high-profile vehicles such as rental camper vans which are more susceptible to being steered by the wind. Extreme temperatures can also affect tire pressure, so be sure to check the tire pressure daily when driving in sub-zero or extreme heat weather.

Manage Driving Fatigue on Long Journeys

 

Undertaking an adventurous road trip abroad can also mean driving for extend periods of time which can lead to driver fatigue. This is especially true if you plan to be traveling solo and are not blessed with the option of switching out drivers with a travel companion every few hours.

Fatigue can of course impair your reaction times, judgment, and overall ability to drive safely, but thankfully there are many ways you can avoid tiredness while driving. It begins with making sure you get healthy levels of sleep each night and starting days of long drives early when you will likely be at your most fresh and alert state.  

The best plan is to schedule breaks every few hours. Plan to stop in small towns to grab a bite to eat and check out the town, or simply make use of rest stops for a stretch and chance to use the bathroom. Keep in mind that some countries make it mandatory to make stops to avoid driver fatigue and have technology in place to document and fine drivers who fail to make stops during a measured amount of distance and time on certain roadways.

Never try to tackle too great of travel distances in a single day or try to recover time by driving longer than you should in instances where you may have been delayed due to heavy traffic or bad weather.

Staying hydrated is another key to maintaining alertness, as is snacking on energy-boosting foods like nuts or fruit. Be sure to keep them easily accessible while driving so as to not cause distraction, or simply pull over before eating and drinking.

Avoiding driving fatigue also requires recognizing the signs that it may be coming on. You may need to consider a stop if you notice yourself beginning to yawn frequently, experience heavy eyelids, notice yourself wavering within lanes, or simply are having difficulty focusing on the road.

Other ways you can wake yourself up include turning on music or listening to a captivating podcast. Turning on the AC or rolling down the windows can also provide a bit of a refresher.

Never try to power your way through a drowsy state and instead opt for a power nap. Find a safe place to pull over and take a short 10–20-minute rest which may surprise you with just how much it can significantly boost your alertness.

Travel Safely During Nighttime Hours

Much like driving in bad weather or off-road, nighttime driving brings a set of unique risks with it. Driving in darkness means reduced visibility and driving safely begins with making sure you can drive with proper lighting.

Inspect your vehicle to ensure both your headlights and taillights are in proper working order. Make use of high beams when driving on rural roads where roadway lighting may be absent and remember to switch off your high beams when passing other oncoming cars so as to not blind them.

It’s crucial to also ensure you have a clean windshield since traffic lights at night can cause a great deal of glare and vision impairments on dirty windows. Reduce your speed and maintain a greater distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you when driving at night. Some roads may even enforce reduced nighttime speed limits.

Greater focus is needed at night when driving to avoid wildlife which often becomes more active near roadways after the sun goes down. You will also need keep a more careful eye on pedestrians and cyclists which may not be as noticeable as they are in daylight.