Road traffic collisions in Scotland caused by visitors driving on the wrong side of the road saw a significant increase in 2023. Figures from Transport Scotland reveal 35 such crashes occurred, a 46% rise from the 24 incidents recorded in 2022. This trend highlights the challenges faced by tourists unfamiliar with the UK’s left-hand driving rule and raises concerns about road safety in popular visitor areas.
Contents
Rising Numbers of Collisions
The 2023 data from Transport Scotland shows a clear upward trend in accidents linked to tourists driving on the incorrect side of the road. The total of 35 collisions represents a notable increase compared to the previous year.
One of the crashes recorded in the 2023 figures tragically resulted in a fatality, underscoring the severe consequences of driving on the wrong side.
Blue road sign reminding drivers to keep left in the UK.
Road safety advocates have voiced disappointment over the rise and are urging for enhanced measures, including more prominent signage, especially in rural regions frequented by tourists.
Why the Increase?
The primary reason cited for these incidents is the inexperience of international visitors driving on the left side of the road. The vast majority of tourists arriving in Scotland in 2023 came from countries in mainland Europe and the United States, where driving on the right is the norm.
Michael McDonnell, director of Road Safety Scotland, noted that there is no single clear explanation for the increased frequency of crashes. However, he pointed out that tourists often encounter difficulties in more remote, rural areas.
In these locations, there is less traffic flow, which would otherwise serve as a visual cue or “prompt” for drivers to stay on the correct side of the road. Tiredness is also considered a potential contributing factor.
Efforts to Improve Awareness
Various initiatives are underway to educate and remind tourists about driving on the left. Standard practice includes placing reminder signage at airports, transport hubs, and car hire facilities.
The “Keep Left” campaign, founded by Sharon Anslow, is actively working to address the issue. Mrs. Anslow was severely injured in a head-on collision with a tourist driving on the wrong side near Portree on the Isle of Skye in 2018. Her personal experience drives her advocacy for better road safety measures.
Sharon Anslow pictured, alongside a car crash scene showing her vehicle in a ditch with firefighters present.
Mrs. Anslow has secured funding to install 250 reminder signs along roads in Skye and Lochalsh. While acknowledging the value of awareness campaigns and online resources, she emphasizes that councils and road managers bear the primary responsibility for ensuring safe road infrastructure for both tourists and local residents through proper signage and markings.
Road Safety Scotland collaborates with VisitScotland and vehicle rental companies to provide educational materials. One such effort involves distributing wristbands printed with “drive on the left” in nine different languages to car hire customers, intended as a constant visual reminder while driving.
Mr. McDonnell of Road Safety Scotland highlighted that passengers also play a vital role in helping drivers stay aware of their position on the road, particularly in less trafficked areas.
Context of Past Incidents
The issue has come into sharp focus following several high-profile fatal crashes involving tourists driving on the wrong side. In 2022, an Italian naval officer was convicted following a crash on the A96 near Keith that resulted in five deaths, including his young son.
Earlier, in 2020, a German tourist caused a fatal head-on collision near Drumnadrochit in the Highlands, resulting in the death of his girlfriend.
These incidents underscore the critical need for effective measures to prevent such crashes and improve road safety for everyone in Scotland.
Looking Ahead
The rise in collisions caused by visitors driving on the wrong side of the road presents a significant challenge for Scottish road safety authorities. While campaigns and signage efforts are in place, the statistics indicate that more may be needed to effectively mitigate the risks associated with international drivers unfamiliar with left-hand traffic, particularly in Scotland’s appealing but potentially challenging rural environments.
For more information on road safety in Scotland and related traffic issues, explore our coverage on Road safety and Scotland news.
