Many holidaymakers use public transport or hire vehicles when they are on holiday or are engaged on business abroad.  This brief guide tells you what you should be looking for when making those arrangements:

Using Public Transport

1. Always use reputable major transport companies!
2. Ensure that you obtain the terms of carriage, and travel documentation before you travel, unless it is provided through your internet booking, in which case, print them off!
3. Carry copies of those terms and conditions when travelling.
4. In a dispute, they will be your primary source of information and your alleged rights!
5. If you are in doubt about tour operator transport (some holidaymakers have reported that they have observed obvious safety deficiencies) – DO NOT use the transport – politely advise the tour operator’s representative that you are refusing to use the transport, state the reasons why and require them to arrange for a safer form of transport to get you to your destination – where possible, take video and photographs of the safety deficiency (where there is a risk to you in taking photos etc, do not take the photos or videos, simply record in writing what the problems are – invite the tour representative to sign any observations you make – provide them with a copy of those complaints!).
6. If a major incident occurs, do not sign or agree to any process of dealing with your situation or settling a claim with guidance from your travel insurance company AND where injury occurs always seek legal advices!
7. Where possible, and where it is persoanlly safe or practical to do so, take photographs and videos (use your phone!), otherwise make a written recording of what the scene is like and what problems you think exist, or what you think was the cause of the accident.  Other than the police, do not hand this document or any other media over to the tour operator or their representatives!
8. Be aware that some tour operators will send their own investigative team to the scene – if they ask you questions, reserve your position – seek legal assistance before offering any information on your own personal situation or details of the incident!
9. Where medical or psychological assistance is offered, consider it carefully – do not hand over access to your medical notes or records with seeking legal assistance first!
10. Where there is an obvious deficiency in public transport – ‘Whistleblow for Safety’!

Hiring Cars, Motor Cycles or Pedal Cycles

1. If you decide to hire cars, motor cycles or pedal cycles, again ensure that you hire from reputable companies.
2. Do they sell adequate insurances from reputable or known companies?
3. If obtaining insurance ensure that you purchase ‘fully comprehensive’ rather than ‘third party’ cover.
4. When you take ‘receipt of the hire vehicle’, check its condition, for example the tyres, seat belts, lights, brakes, engine.
5. Make an independent note of any damage; ensure that it is recorded on the hire documentation – take photographs or videos – use your phone!
6. Make yourself aware of local laws and regulations before you drive! 
7. DO NOT drink and drive when driving abroad!
8. If you have an accident stay calm and co-operate with the local authorities.

Accidents Abroad

1. If you suffer an accident whilst abroad – always report it – comply with local police procedures!
2. If you encounter difficulties with local legal procedures contact the local British Consul or Emabassy or your tour operator.
3. If you suffer injury – contact your travel insurer immediately – let them help you to deal with any medical or legal problems!
4. Make sure any Doctor or treating hospital is aware of the availability of your travel insurance.
5. If you encounter difficulties during treatment, obtain the assistance of your tour operator.
6. In all cases of injury, seek legal assistance when you return to the UK immediately (this is important as limitation periods will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction!)

Tags: Accidents Abroad, Driving Abroad, Transport Abroad

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 17th, 2009 at 7:43 pm and is filed under Planning Your Trip. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.