Over three quarters of Brits (82%) who have hired a scooter on holiday have put their own and others’ safety at risk, according to research by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

Data reveals a shocking catalogue of risks being taken by the thousands of British holidaymakers who hire scooters on holiday, with over half (57%) having ridden without wearing a helmet, more than one in 10 admitting to riding whilst drunk and over a third (35%) not having checked that their travel insurance covered them to ride one.

The FCO statistics clearly show how Britons’ risky behaviour translates into accidents, some of which can be fatal. Of those surveyed, one in ten had been involved in a scooter accident. Fifteen per cent knew someone who had been injured on a scooter and, tragically, 5% knew someone who had been killed in a crash.

Many British tourists who have hired a scooter on holiday have never ridden one before. Obviously not a good idea, because as well as having to learn to ride the scooter, they must also contend with local drivers on roads which are far busier and less predictable than those in the UK . Anyone who does decide to hire a scooter or motorbike should double-check their insurance, and always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing. Sadly, we have seen many cases of tourists riding a scooter in only swimwear, and even a couple who were not wearing helmets because they were worried about ruining their hairstyles!