As we highlighted in our recent article Is Mumbai the Worst Place to Drive?, driving standards around the world vary massively. Unfortunately, some British tourists found this out at significant cost whilst in Rome this week.

It is generally assumed that it is if you are a driver you are in the most danger of suffering a traffic accident on holiday, but the case of Deborah Woods (reported in the Metro today - click here to read) sadly highlights that pedestrians are in just as much danger, maybe more.

Deborah was sadly killed after being hit by traffic whilst crossing a road in Rome, even though she used a pedestrian crossing. This is something that I've seen far too many times in recent years and I always stress to people that you do need to be extra vigilant in foreign countries. Don't assume that the drivers will behave as you expect!

Avoiding Traffic Accidents on Holiday

In order to avoid being a pedestrian victim and hit by a car on holiday I would advise that you learn about the attitudes towards the roads and the pedestrians before you arrive. Having travelled in countries where sometimes there are no pavements at all, I know first hand how scary it can be being millimetres from a speeding taxi motorbike complete with sidecar. I would also recommend the following:

1. Ensure that you keep your eyes and ears open and concentrate fully on what’s happening on the road around you.

2. Don’t take for granted that there is a set of traffic lights or a pedestrian crossing – they are often ignored (in the UK as well as abroad)!

3. If you are walking in the dark try to ensure you’re in a well lit area. If there are no street lights, carry a torch with you and turn it on. This means drivers will see you walking down the road.

4. If you are unfortunate enough to be in an accident, remember our recent advice about what to do in the aftermath:

a. Take photos of the scene if you are able to. Get as much detail as possible, including the location, position and registration of vehicles (if an RTA).

b.Report the matter to the police and get a crime reference number. In some countries, you can't do anything without this.

c. If you are on holiday with a tour operator, make sure you tell your rep and complete an incident form.

d. Don't sign any documents you are not clear about. In Europe after an RTA, you will often get presented with an agreed statement of facts form. Only sign it if you understand and agree the contents.

e. Attend hospital or a doctor if you were injured. It is important to get early treatment and have it recorded.

If you follow these 5 steps, you will be in a much better position to make a holiday compensation claim if you are hit by a car or traffic on holiday. Obviously, if you're unlucky enough to be in that position - you know where to come for help!