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The incidence of crashes caused by tourists driving on the wrong side of the road in Scotland rose by 46% in a single year, according to figures released by Transport Scotland. In 2023, there were 35 collisions attributed to “inexperience of driving on the left,” an increase from 24 the previous year. Road Safety Scotland noted the concerning trend and called for more signage and prompts to serve as reminders for visitors, especially in rural areas where accidents often occur.
Despite efforts to educate drivers on the correct side of the road, one of the crashes recorded in 2023 resulted in a fatality. Most tourists visiting Scotland in 2023 came from countries where driving is done on the right side, such as mainland Europe and the United States. Sharon Anslow, founder of the Keep Left campaign, highlighted the need for increased driver education. She experienced a traumatic head-on collision with a tourist in 2018, prompting her to advocate for more awareness and safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
Following the convictions of drivers like Alfredo Ciociola and Gerrit Reickmann for fatal accidents caused by driving on the wrong side of the road, Road Safety Scotland Director Michael McDonnell emphasized the challenges tourists face in remote areas with minimal traffic. The organization collaborated with VisitScotland and car rental companies to provide wristbands with “drive on the left” messages in multiple languages. McDonnell also stressed the importance of passengers in helping drivers stay alert to their surroundings, particularly in the absence of other vehicles on the road.
While awareness campaigns and resources are essential, McDonnell underscored the need for proper road infrastructure and clear signage to ensure the safety of all motorists in Scotland. The beauty of the country’s rural areas, where traffic is sparse, can pose challenges for drivers, especially during early mornings or late nights. By working together to educate both locals and tourists and implement practical safety measures, Scotland aims to reduce the number of accidents resulting from driving on the wrong side of the road
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