Transportation Safety
Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading cause of injury and death to U.S. citizens abroad. As a road traveler and pedestrian in a new country, it is important to learn about road culture and safe transportation in your destination country(ies). The Association of Safe International Travel (ASIRT) recommends the following:
For Travelers
- Select the safest form of transportation in your area.
- Avoid late-night road travel, especially in countries with poor safety records, poor road conditions, and/or mountainous terrain.
- Understand how seasonal hazards affect road conditions.
- Know the dates of local holidays when road accident rates rise.
- Read the Travel and Transportation section of the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information page for your destination(s).
- Always wear a helmet if traveling by bicycle or motorbike.
For Pedestrians
- Learn local traffic patterns and regulations.
- Do not assume traffic will stop for you.
- Wear reflective clothing at dusk and dawn.
- Do not walk where you cannot easily be seen.
- Never hitchhike.
For Passengers
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Ride in the back seat of taxis or rideshares (e.g., Uber, Lyft).
- Do not assume that rideshare services are legal and safe in your destination.
- Do not get into a taxi with an unknown passenger. Do not use the rideshare pool option.