The 2010 FIFA World Cup is adding many drivers from overseas on to South Africa's roads and presenting them with unfamiliar infrastructure and driving conditions.

Apart from dealing with the estimatred 8.5 million vehicles already in South Africa, tourists will be navigating unfamiliar routes and many are not accustomed to driving on the left hand side of the road.

This increases the chances of a collision with a tourist the closer you get to match venues and times. Despite this, visitors from abroad have to abide by the same rules and regulations as locals.

Remain calm

Alexander Forbes Insurance managing director Gari Dombo says that in the event "you are involved in a car accident with a tourist, don't panic. Stay calm and follow normal car accident procedures".

Dombo advises those involved in any collision over the 2010 FIFA World Cup to:

Sound advice

• Remain calm and do not panic. Pull over in a safe place where you are not obstructing traffic, and engage the other driver in a polite and non-confrontational manner.
• Whether there is an injury or not, call the police immediately and treat the accident scene normally.
• Try to get as much detail as possible from the other driver. If they cannot speak English ask for their passport and record their name, passport number, car registration and address. If they are driving a hired car, maek a note of the rental company details.
• If you are involved in a collision that results in a fatality, do not provide statements while you are in shock and do not admit blame. Instead, engage the services of a lawyer before making any statements.
• Take as many photographs of the scene as possible.
• Where possible, record witnesses names, addresses and contact numbers.
• Record as much information about the collision scene as possible, including the road and weather conditions.
• If you are unsure of how to handle the situation call your insurer or rental company and ask for advice.

Patience pays off

"As much as we are all excited about the World Cup, we still have a national responsibility to show hospitality towards our guests" says Dombo.

He says this can be done by being cautious and patient - and allowing extra time when driving to stadiums and on our roads generally during the World Cup.