• Can you turn right on a red light?
• Can you use a cell phone while driving?
• What happens if you have alcohol on your breath? Several countries have “no tolerance” policies regarding driving under the authority of drugs and/or alcohol and criminal penalties can be harsh.

The U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council's publications afford information regarding personal security and protection while traveling abroad.

• Carjacking - Don't be a victim
• Personal Security - At Home, On the Street, While Traveling

Even though several countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, the majority countries accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP functions as an official conversion of a U.S. driver's license into 10 foreign languages.

Before leaving, you can obtain an IDP at a local office of one of the two Automobile Association’s allowed by the U.S. Department of State:

• AAA (American Automobile Association)
• National Auto Club

To apply for an IDP, you must:

• be at least age 18
• present two passport-size photographs and
• present your valid U.S. license

The charge of an International Driving Permit (IDP) from these U.S. State Department-authorized organizations is less than $20.00

Car hire companies in a foreign country frequently offer auto transport insurance, but in some countries, the necessary reporting is minimal. When renting a car abroad, think about purchasing extra insurance reporting that is at least comparable to what you carry at home.

In common, your U.S. auto insurance does NOT cover you abroad; though, your policy may be relevant when you drive to countries neighboring the United States. Make sure with your insurer before you go away to see, if your policy covers you in Canada, Mexico, or countries south of Mexico. Still if your policy is applicable, it may not meet that country’s lowest requirement. If you are under-insured for a specific country, auto insurance can normally be purchased individually on either side of the border.

The U.S department of state’s OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) and the organization (ASIRT) Association for Safe International Road Travel provides information for American families and business travelers regarding driving abroad:

• Security – Families Overseas
• Security – Business Travelers Overseas
• OSAC Publications
• Association for Safe International Road Travel

• Get an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Take both your IDP as well as your U.S. state driver's license with you at all times, as many countries have different driving rules. If likely, take a copy of the foreign country’s driving laws before you start driving in that country. Information may be accessible from the foreign country’s embassy in the United States, foreign government tourism offices, or beginning a car hire company in the foreign country.
• Make sure to see if the country of objective has a minimum and maximum driving age
• Association for Safe International Road Travel
• Be aware that definite countries need special road permits, instead of tolls, to use their divided highways, and they will collect additional charges for those found driving without a permit.
• Forever "buckle up." A few countries contain penalties for people who disobey this law
• Several countries need you to beep your horn before going in the region of a sharp corner or to spark your lights before passing
• If you hire a car, make sure you have legal responsibility insurance. If you do not, this could lead to financial hardship.
• If the drivers in the country you are visiting drive on the left side of the road, it may be careful to practice driving in a less populated area previous to attempting to drive in heavy traffic.
• Always know the direction you will be traveling. Must contain a good road map, and chart your path before commencement
• When entering or exiting your vehicle, be alert of your environment

• United Nations Road Safety Collaboration
• World Health Organization, World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention
• European Red Cross Road Safety Campaign
• U.S. Division of Transportation, Federal Highway Management, International Programs
• Commission for Global Road Safety

• Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
• International Road Traffic and Accident Database (IRTAD)
• UN, Economic Commission for Europe, Transport Division: Road Accident Statistics
• EU, Community Road Accident Database (CARE)
• Monash University (Australia): Comparison of International Road Fatality Rates
• Bureau of Transportation, Africa Road Safety Review
• UN, Economic Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
• Association for Safe International Road Travel
• International Road Federation
• FIA Foundation
• Global Road Safety Partnership