Risky Roads: Mapping Plans to Keep International Travelers Safe
Recent International SOS poll of travel, security and HR directors shows fewer than half of responding organizations have a road safety policy
TREVOSE, PA – July 28, 2014 - Every year, more than 1.2 million people are killed on roads around the world, according to the World Health Organization. Yet more than half (57 percent) of respondents in a recent International SOS poll said their organization does not have a road safety policy.
One of the main reasons International SOS evacuates travelers and expatriates is due to road accidents. And while 57 percent of respondents said their organization does not have a road safety policy, fully 60 percent said their organization has experienced a road safety incident. Download a copy of the poll and executive briefing.
"Driving in emerging market countries and remote locations present high risk of road accidents to business travelers, but those who self-drive even in well developed cities are also at risk," said Myles Druckman, MD, Senior Vice President for Medical Services at International SOS. "Travel fatigue and unfamiliarity with local road rules and driving culture can contribute to the increased frequency of these avoidable incidents."
In addition to loss of life or reduced quality of life, road accidents carry many other consequences for the survivors, including legal implications, economic burden as well as psychological consequences.Travelers play a major role in the prevention of crashes through education and information.
"There are many ways for travelers to stay safe when on the road internationally," said Peter Piazza, Vice President of Strategic Operations at ASIS International. ASIS' CSO Roundtable partnered with the International SOS Foundation on the webinar poll which drew leaders in travel, security, HR and others from global organizations. "They shouldn't drive themselves unless they are very comfortable with the local roads. If they use a driver, it's important to vet the driver first, and of course seat belts are a key safety factor no matter where you travel. Finally, it's critical to notify corporate security departments or whoever oversees foreign travel plans whenever you're on the move."
Organizations should also consider implementing Journey Risk Management Planning when in higher risk destinations that includes road condition, journey timing and duration, climate, security, communications and emergency support as well as emergency response protocols. This also plays a role in Duty of Care. Organizations should consider having a workshop to get key stakeholder input and buy-in and develop and implement policies.
The poll was conducted in cooperation with International SOS, the International SOS Foundation, the Global Road Safety Partnership, and ASIS' CSO Roundtable.
For more tips for travelers, visit http://traveltips.internationalsos.com.
International SOS (www.internationalsos.com) is the world's leading medical and travel security risk services company. We care for clients across the globe, from more than 700 locations in 89 countries. Our expertise is unique: More than 11,000 employees are led by 1,200 doctors and 200 security specialists. Teams work night and day to protect our members. We have pioneered a range of preventative programmes and offer an unparalleled response to emergencies. We are passionate about helping clients put 'Duty of Care' into practice. With us multinational corporate clients, governments and NGOs can mitigate risks for their people working remotely or overseas.
About the International SOS Foundation
Launched in March 2012, the International SOS Foundation ―Ambassadors for Duty of Care (www.internationalsosfoundation.org) – has the goal of improving the safety, security, health and welfare of people working abroad or on remote assignments through the study, understanding and mitigation of potential risks. The escalation of globalization has enabled more individuals to work across borders and in unfamiliar environments; exposure to risks which can impact personal health, security and safety increases along with travel. The foundation is a registered charity and was started with a grant from International SOS. It is a fully independent, non-profit organization.
For more information or to arrange to speak with any of the International SOS presenters, members of the media are invited to visit Booth #1919 at GBTA or contact:
