TRL was commissioned by the Scottish Executive, UK to investigate whether visitors to rural tourist areas in Scotland are more frequently involved in accidents than local drivers. Statistical road accident data for Scotland were examined in 1999 and 2000, and detailed case studies in Aberdeenshire, Argyll & Bute and Highland were carried out. Tourist activity did increase the number of road accidents. Half the dlrivers involved in accidents were within 5 km of their home address and fewer than 2% were more than 240 km from their home address. The involvement of tourists compared with locals in road accidents is probably not excessive in relation to their numbers and the increased mileage they drive. The data for non-UK drivers was inadequate but was related to unfamiliarity with driving on the left side of the road. UK tourists lacked driving and overtaking experience on rural single carriageway roads. Local drivers were more Iikely to have lost control or to have been driving too fast. Recommendations for accident prevention are given.
Samenvatting