A NEW campaign has been launched to remind overseas visitors to drive on the left when in Scotland.
In 2023, 35 collisions were caused by overseas drivers’ inexperience of driving on the left, according to the latest report on road casualties in Scotland by Transport Scotland.
This figure is a 46% increase from the 24 collisions recorded in the previous year.
Around 1% of all collisions in Scotland in 2023 were linked to drivers’ inexperience with driving on the left, according to the report.
The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched a new campaign to remind tourists to drive on the left during their visits.
The campaign will distribute "Drive on the Left" wristbands in eight different languages in the hospitality sector and at car rental companies, along with leaflets offering advice about driving in Scotland.
Commenting, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop (below) said: “Scotland’s roads can present real challenges for overseas visitors.
“We are urging all visitors who will be getting behind the wheel during their trip to ensure they travel safely by planning ahead, staying alert, taking regular breaks and knowing the rules of the road."
The campaign is supported by Scottish businesses and organisations in the hospitality and tourism sectors, including National Trust for Scotland.
The car rental companies participating in the campaign include Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt and Europcar.
Scott McCombie, senior ranger at the National Trust for Scotland's Glencoe National Nature Reserve, said: “Each year, those of us who live and work in the Highlands see a number of collisions on roads involving folk who are not used to driving on the left.
“Just recently there was a collision at our Visitor Centre entrance from the A82 where someone looked the wrong direction and pulled out in front of an oncoming vehicle. Luckily, no one was hurt but it could have been more serious.”
Amanda Brandon, director of member engagement at the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, said it is important for the association and its rental members to remind overseas drivers to drive on the left.
“The risks are greater with people that are not used to driving in Scotland. Many won’t have driven on the left before, on top of the fatigue, confusion or distraction that come with being in a new country,” she added.
