Road trips are a very good way for people to see a country. But it is also true that safety is not less important than the scenery when thinking about where to drive. The information for this list was taken from the World’s Safest Roads Report by FINN, which considered things like the quality of roads, how much traffic there is, how many people wear seatbelts, and also accident numbers. So here you can find 10 countries that are counted as the safest for road trips.
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Netherlands
The Netherlands ranks first in road safety with a score of 7.86/10. There are great roads with minimal traffic and widespread seatbelt use. Since many people cycle rather than drive, the country’s roads are actually quieter, leading to calmer road trips.
Norway
Norway’s winters can be snowy and icy, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the safest countries in the world for driving. Strict speed limits and careful driving have kept the accident rate low. Scoring 7.47/10, it’s a great place to explore fjords and mountains without worrying too much about road risks.
Sweden
Sweden sits in third place, with a score of 7.42/10. It has an ambitious “Vision Zero” initiative that has sought to reduce fatalities on the road to zero. There are also a lot of disciplined drivers and very good roads to top it all off, making this a road-tripper’s dream.
Estonia
Estonia ties for third place with Sweden, having received a score of 7.42/10. The roads are quiet, the traffic is low, and there are few instances of alcohol-fueled accidents. Estonia may be a smaller country than some others on the list, but it’s also one that feels surprisingly safe.
Iceland
Iceland has the lowest road death rate in the world: just 2 per 100,000 people. The roads are well maintained, and traffic is light, which is perfect when you’re driving out to waterfalls, volcanoes, or black-sand beaches. Even though the weather can change quickly, the overall driving experience is safe and steady.
Switzerland
Switzerland isn’t just famous for mountains and chocolate. It’s also one of the safest driving countries. With about 2.25 road deaths per 100,000 people, it combines strict laws, disciplined drivers, and carefully built roads. Scenic Alpine drives are breathtaking and also reassuringly safe.
Singapore
Singapore is one of the easiest countries in Asia to drive in because the roads are exceptionally clean and safe. There are only around 2.1 deaths per 100,000 people. Drivers tend to be rule-abiding, and the enforcement of laws is both efficient and severe. Smooth highways and organized traffic flow also help.
Finland
Finland has developed a reputation for safety through a series of bold measures such as lowering speed limits in cities and redesigning roads to calm traffic. Helsinki even went an entire year without a single road death. With wide open spaces and well-kept highways, it’s ideal for relaxed road trips.
Germany
Germany is known for the Autobahn and for letting drivers go fast. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t safe to travel by car in this European country. Safety is helped by the fact that almost 98% of drivers wear seatbelts, and road safety laws are observed to an exceptionally high degree. No matter whether driving fast or slow, safety is always a priority.
Spain
Spain is one of the safest road-trip destinations in Europe. The infrastructure is good, the roads are solid, and the driving culture is careful and thorough. Spain is also full of scenic routes, whether you want to take sun-soaked highways along the coast or explore picturesque countryside byways.
Sources: The following sources were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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