Traveling abroad by self-driving allows for more freedom to explore new locations, but it can also be challenging due to unfamiliar road layouts. Drivers need to remember new traffic rules and customs, which can cause anxiety.
Some countries are known to make drivers particularly nervous and uneasy.
According to a survey released in October by Scrap Car Comparison, drivers feel the highest level of nervousness while driving in India. Out of 49 countries surveyed, India scored the highest with 7.15 points on average.
In this survey where “1” indicates no nervousness at all and “10” signifies extreme nervousness, 2,000 drivers from 10 countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain were interviewed.
The survey highlighted India’s reputation for “unpredictable traffic conditions,” with a mix of cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, and even livestock sharing the roads, making driving more challenging.
According to the 2023 TomTom Traffic Index, the urban areas of Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune in India ranked among the top ten globally for congestion levels and peak-hour speeds analysis.
The top ten countries that make drivers most nervous were from Asia, Africa, and South America. Venezuela and Zimbabwe ranked second and third respectively with scores over 6.9; Morocco and Thailand followed in the fourth and fifth positions; China and Malaysia were also among the countries drivers fear the most, ranking sixth and seventh. Tunisia, Brazil, and Colombia rounded out the bottom three spots in the top ten countries.
Mexico ranked 11th as the highest-ranking North American country on the list, followed by the US at 33rd and Canada at 41st.
Drivers expressed that driving in the Netherlands is the most comfortable with a score of 4.41, followed by Switzerland, Austria, and Australia.
One of the most feared aspects of driving abroad is driving on the opposite side of the road. Most countries drive on the right side, whereas the UK and many former British colonies like India, Australia, South Africa, and Singapore drive on the left.
Other factors that make drivers nervous include other drivers’ unstable skills and unknowingly breaking traffic laws, with over half of the respondents mentioning this.
Nearly one-third of drivers also expressed concerns about not being able to communicate in the local language in case of an accident.
Here are some tips for driving abroad:
1. Research local driving regulations: Many countries may use kilometers per hour instead of miles per hour like in the US – understanding this difference can help avoid speeding tickets.
2. Choose the right vehicle: Rent a car that you are comfortable driving. Consider the road conditions and choose a suitable vehicle size accordingly.
3. Use GPS and navigation apps: Plan your routes in advance and download maps for offline access.
4. Take it slow: Drive cautiously in unfamiliar places, especially at intersections, roundabouts, and pedestrian crossings. Familiarize yourself with the relevant driving regulations beforehand.
5. Stay calm and plan rest stops: Stay calm and remember that if you feel overwhelmed, you can pull over to reassess the situation.