Eastern Ukraine - Ukraine - page 502

Constitution Day 28 June
Independence Day (1991) 24 August
Safe Travel
Despite what you may have heard, Ukraine is not a dangerous, crime-ridden place. The
infamous mafia are not interested in tourists - in fact, you are infinitely more likely to be
knocked down by a marshrutka than to be gunned down by the mob.
UKRAINE'S HAZARDOUS HIGHWAYS
You don't need to travel very long in Ukraine to realise that this country has some
of the most perilous driving conditions in Europe. The country's mix of poorly lit,
potholed roads, an idiotically aggressive driving style and the poor state of many
(seatbelt-less) vehicles is a lethal cocktail indeed. Accidents are the norm, and in
2012 over 5000 people died on the country's roads (compare that to just over
1700 in the UK).
In a bid to stop the carnage and stimulate at least a basic instinct for self-preser-
vation in local drivers, Ukrainian TV channels broadcast daily and weekly programs
detailing horrific road traffic accidents, most of which are caused by mindboggling
stupidity and/or drunkenness.
Driving Ukraine's rutted highways will also bring you into contact with the bane
of motorists' lives, the traffic police (Derzhavna Avtoinspektsiya; DAI). Foreign cars
come in for special attention.
Crime
Ukraine is normally as safe as most Western European countries; however, petty theft is a
serious problem.
Avoiding becoming a victim of theft is a matter of common sense:
» Don't flash your money around.
» Watch your wallet and belongings, particularly on public transport and in crowded situ-
ations.
» Stay low-key in appearance and have more than one place on your body where you
stash your cash.
» Avoid being alone at night in parks or secluded places.