Travel Insurance: Road Safety and Travel Insurance
Darwinâs scientific curiosity took him to the Galapagos Islands. Walter Ralegh brought potatoes and tobacco back from the New World. Evidently, however, Britons have lost their sense of adventure: a recent study reveals that the 2.5 million travellers who holiday in the sun each year typically spend a pitiful 7 hours exploring beyond the confines of their hotel complex. And they still manage to come to harm.
Motor accidents account for more serious injuries than anything else. Currently around 50 million people sustain injuries annually through being involved in a road traffic accident. This total is projected to increase by 65% over the next 20 years. Travellers visiting developing countries should be particularly attentive when crossing the road: the problem is serious here.
Poor street lighting, unfamiliar traffic regulations (most obviously cars driving on the other side of the road or different rules governing the traverse of a pedestrian crossing) besides downright woeful driving on the part of locals account for many accidents. Doing away with the distinction between that part of the roadway meant for walkers and that part intended for vehicles can only increase the numbers making claims on their travel insurance.
To cut down the risk of this happening, the traveller should firstly avoid drinking before getting behind the wheel. In South-East Asia this is widely tolerated but is as foolish here as anywhere else. Mopeds or motorbikes should only be driven by those qualified to drive them (often this is not the case) and helmets should be worn. In the event of an accident where these conditions have not been met, there may be complications involved in claiming from the travel insurance provider.
The market for cheap travel insurance is intensely competitive and should be researched properly before the trip in order to identify the most suitable package.
9.4.2007
