Tourist income is important to the local economy. Quite a few visitors choose to rent vehicles rather than rely on taxis, public transportation or rideshare services to get around. Those visitors driving on public roads create enhanced collision risk for everyone they encounter.
Unfortunately, tourists might drink more than they should because they are on vacation and then may try to drive back to their hotels. They could make mistakes at the wheel because they are unfamiliar with the make and model of the vehicle they rented. They may also be more vulnerable to certain types of distraction than local drivers.
What unique types of distraction can increase the risk of a tourist causing a crash?
1. Lack of local familiarity
People may be cognitively distracted and may pay more attention to road signs and landmarks than to other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians nearby. They may have a hard time safely traveling because they don’t know where to turn.
If they choose to use GPS software, that can also become a source of distraction, especially if they attempt to change their route or interact with the software while actively driving. Drivers on unfamiliar roads are highly susceptible to various forms of distraction.
2. Distraction caused by scenery
Those who regularly enjoy mountain landscapes and breathtaking ocean views eventually come to take them for granted to a degree. They focus on the drive, rather than the view.
With exceptions for days when there are brilliant rainbows or unusually bright sunsets, most local drivers can keep their focus on the road in even the most attractive environment. Tourists distracted by the sights outside of their vehicles may fail to monitor their surroundings and might drive into someone else.
3. Distractions caused by phones
Many vacationers want to document their experience on social media. They might use their phones while driving to record videos or take pictures of themselves to post on social media later.
They may also become very tempted by incoming notifications or text messages. When distracted driving leads to a crash, the people involved may have reason to hold the party at fault accountable.
Even those in rental cars typically need to carry basic insurance, and they could also be vulnerable to litigation. Holding people accountable by pursuing compensation when they cause a car crash through unsafe behavior is a reasonable reaction.