Drivers are being urged to follow road rules and the Highway Code to ensure they are staying safe and responsible ahead of the busy summer period.
Road Safety Scotland has reignited its drive for better streets by urging tourists and motorists to remember key driving guidance.
The Drive on the Left campaign aims to remind all drivers of the importance of staying in the correct lane when behind the wheel, with the risk of more accidents as it gets closer to busier tourist periods.
While it may seem like common sense for the majority of motorists in the UK, tourists and holidaymakers may overlook the road rules, especially if they plan on driving during their holiday.
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The Highway Code deals with which side of the road people should drive on
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Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Road Safety Scotland called on tourists and people who may not be familiar with UK driving laws to be aware of the campaign.
It wrote: “Remembering to drive on the left can be tricky. We’d love to know how you stay alert and make sure you keep to the left at all times.”
The post was accompanied by a video featuring foreign drivers talking about the importance of sticking to the left lane when travelling in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
One motorist said it was a big change because the roads are smaller, while others said it was distracting to look out the windows at the scenery and nature that can be found around the country.
As part of the campaign, road safety groups are handing out “Drive on the Left” wristbands to people collecting hire cars, along with a “Driving in Scotland” information leaflet.
The leaflet offers practical advice about driving on single-track roads, looking both ways at junctions, speed limits, planning journeys and taking regular rest stops to avoid fatigue.
Rule 160 of the Highway Code instructs motorists to remain on the left side of the road unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise.
It states that other exceptions exist, including when they want to overtake, turn right or pass parked vehicles or pedestrians on the road.
Similarly, Rule 264 calls on drivers to keep in the left lane of the motorway unless they are overtaking, with drivers needing to return to the left lane when it is safe to do so.
Motorists should also always be aware of emergency service vehicles, as well as traffic officers, recovery workers and other people who may be stopped on the hard shoulder.
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) urged drivers to heed the advice of Road Safety Scotland for the benefit of all who use the roads.
A statement on its website said: “With the peak tourist season fast approaching, Road Safety Scotland is launching its ‘Drive on the Left’ campaign, again urging overseas drivers to stay safe and alert during their journeys throughout Scotland.
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Road safety organisations will be handing leaflets out to tourists hiring vehicles
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“Rental companies renting to visitors who are travelling to and around Scotland may wish to use some of this collateral in their branches during the summer period.”
