Two serious traffic accidents involving Hong Kong tourists in Hokkaido within a week have prompted the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association to issue fresh guidance on 22 July for residents planning self-drive holidays abroad. Association honorary president Ringo Lee warned that drivers accustomed to Hong Kong’s compact road network often underestimate fatigue when covering long distances between airports, hotels and attractions overseas. GPS distractions, unfamiliar signage and left-hand versus right-hand traffic switches compound the risk. Insurance brokers speaking to the South China Morning Post said less than half of Hong Kong travellers upgrade to comprehensive collision coverage when renting cars overseas. Premiums can rise 30 per cent if purchased after arrival, yet repatriation of injured passengers and third-party liability claims can exceed HK$5 million. HR departments at firms with regional sales teams are advised to revisit travel-policy wording. Legal specialists note that under Hong Kong’s Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, staff injured while driving on foreign business may trigger liabilities even if the employer did not approve the rental contract. Japanese consular officials in Hong Kong, meanwhile, said they have no plans to tighten licence-conversion rules but urged tourists to carry the correct International Driving Permit category. Travel agencies report a 12 per cent drop in self-drive package bookings for August, suggesting safety messages are already resonating.
Source: South China Morning Post
