When travelling abroad, people rarely question the modes of transport they take to get from A to B. People feel that tiny motorbikes, packed minibuses and old rusty coaches just add to the experience and are part of the culture of the country.

This should not be the case and numerous travellers are injured or killed in accidents involving vehicles abroad. Being aware of the issues and alternatives means that you are able to make informed decisions and minimise the risks.

Consider the following:

Safety standards

Don’t assume that safety standards are the same abroad. Just because the company you go with chooses them, it doesn’t mean they are the safest - do your research and check out the competition.

Price doesn’t necessarily ensure safety. For the sake of a few pounds, consider the consequences - check out safety records and ask about insurance. Never be afraid to ask to see the transport you will be taking! Your definition of luxury and theirs may be very different!

Spread the Information

The only way for you and others to find out about good and bad forms of transport is through people sharing the information.

The number-one rule is to talk to other travellers and find out about their experiences. Use the travel forums and blogs and ask for people’s advice and suggestions. If you have some good information, do the same and share it with others.

If you do have a bad experience, make sure that you report it and name and shame the company. The only way that companies will ever do anything to improve services is if people pressure them into adopting better safety policies.

We need your help

We would also like to enlist your help in listing common backpackers' routes where numerous accidents, hijackings or other incidents take place.

For example, people market the ‘Most Dangerous Road in Bolivia’ on travellers' ‘must-do’ list, yet backpackers are killed on this route nearly every year. Just because it didn’t or hasn’t happened to you doesn’t mean that it won’t or can’t happen to someone else, and companies should be made to warn travellers of the dangers.