Each of us likes to believe that we’re safe drivers, aware of our own road safety obligations. However, not all countries are alike and some times what we consider to be safe driving, and driver awareness, at home is not consider the same elsewhere. The following are some driver awareness tips to keep in mind if you’re considering an overseas driving trip.

a. if you’re required to drive the vehicle on the “other side of the road”, make sure you take a few moments to familiarize yourself with this. It’s a natural reaction for those used to driving on one side of the road to act on instinct; however, such matters as going around roundabouts and right of way may well change when you have to drive on the other side of the road. Therefore, before you drive off, take yourself on a couple of laps of the parking lot.

b. familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s controls: certain vehicles manufactured in different parts of the world have different control systems. Therefore, make sure you familiarize yourself with these before you drive off. An example here, European vehicles tend to have their indicators on the left and windscreen wipers on the right; however, Japanese manufactured vehicles are the exact opposite. If you are not familiar with this, this could cause you a problem in your moment of need.

c. make sure your rental vehicle has all your usual safety devices. Some countries have different rules regarding such issues as rear seatbelts, ABS, air-bags, etc. If you are used to these safety functions, try to ensure that the rental company rents you a vehicle with as many safety functions as you’re normally used to driving with at home.

d. buy a highway code: if you cannot purchase a highway code for the country you’re going to be driving in before you depart, make sure the rental company has one to give to you immediately upon your arrival. Take a look at this to familiarize yourself with the normal road customs and signs before you go anywhere. It is very important that you recognize that some countries have very different road customs to what you’re used to; for example, in some countries flashing of headlights can mean “please go”, whilst in others it means “stay where you are, it’s my right of way I’m coming through”.

e. check the vehicle out thoroughly: make sure that you take the vehicle to the nearest garage and do a preliminary check of all its functions; for example, check out the tire pressure. Also, don’t wait till it gets dark before you check the headlights, or till it rains before you check out the windscreen wipers – by then it may be too late!

f. be aware of other road users: this is especially important if you’re traveling in a country that has a lot of motorcycle drivers. Be aware of where they are. Make sure you use your rear-view mirror and side-mirrors more than you would normally. Also, some countries have specified lanes for certain types of vehicles An example here may be local law requirements that buses and motorcycles only use the slow lane of any road.. If you think this applies, make sure you are aware of it.

g. try not to drive at night: if you are unfamiliar with the roads, try to avoid driving at night, when your vision and awareness levels may be affected. In any event, never drink and drive – regardless of what the local laws on this may be.

Aside from the above, also keep in mind all your usual safety and driver awareness issues: such as not using your cell phone when driving, not taking as gospel any directions from other drivers, and being courteous to other road users at all times. Hopefully, this way you’ll be able to have a great time whilst driving on holiday!