Self-drive on your business travel

8 things to look out for if you self-drive on business trips

If you are provided a rental car by your company when you land at your destination, there are safety considerations that you need to be prepared for. This is even more so if you are also driving your colleagues as more lives are at stake.

Here are eight things to look out for when you are going to self-drive on your business trips:

Before you depart

1. Research your destination.
   • Learn about speed restrictions, traffic rules and road signs as they vary from one country to another. For your safety, ensure you know about any significant differences in traffic regulations in the country you will be driving in.
     
   • Check whether your country’s driving license is acceptable in your destination country or whether you need an international driving license to drive in that country.
     
   • Consider the month and season of your travel as weather conditions affect road conditions and visibility. Driving on icy roads is very different from driving on dry roads.
      
2. Know the vehicle type and try to request for one which you are comfortable with.
   
3. Plan your routes before departure, including the rest stops to make. Be aware of traffic density as peak hours traffic can really slow you down.
   
4. Have a check list with emergency telephone numbers. Know what is legally required of you in the event of a traffic accident.

At your destination

1. If you have to drive straight from the airport in the morning after a night flight, do have a cup of coffee or tea to perk yourself up!
   
2. Always check the safety features of the vehicle before you start your journey.
   
3. Seat belts reduce the risk of a fatal injury by up to 50% for front seat occupants and 75% for those in the rear¹. It is the single most effective feature in a vehicle to reduce the severity of injury that results from road traffic crashes. Ensure they work and that all passengers are belted up before you move.
   
4. Be on the lookout for wildlife suddenly stepping onto the road and avoid hitting them.

¹ISOS Foundation-Global Road Safety Pocket Guide on ‘Road Safety Tips for Travellers’.