The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has today offered holiday drivers help and guidance to make road trips abroad safer and stress-free.
www.iam.org.uk/drivingabroad is a one-stop online resource covering traffic rules and regulations abroad, and could help motorists avoid unnecessary stress, fines and prosecution.
Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner, said: “Roundabouts, unfamiliar road layouts and foreign signposting can make even the most experienced motorist anxious about driving abroad, but many drivers still leave British shores without a sound understanding of the traffic regulations of the country they’ll be driving in.
“Many countries’ rules and traffic regulations will be similar to UK conventions, but there will be some discrepancies. Rules of the road are often enforced with greater firmness abroad, and ignorance is no excuse – tourist or not, you will be prosecuted.”
The IAM urges drivers to make sure they understand all road signs before setting off, and to obey them at all times. Local rules, such as speed limits and priorities, also have to be observed.
Mr Rodger added: “Most signs will be recognisable to you, and the meaning of unfamiliar signs should still be fairly obvious. Remember the general rule: triangles warn, circles prohibit and rectangles inform.”
If you’re driving your own car abroad:
If you’re hiring a car abroad:
www.iam.org.uk/drivingabroad is a one-stop online resource covering traffic rules and regulations abroad, and could help motorists avoid unnecessary stress, fines and prosecution.
Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner, said: “Roundabouts, unfamiliar road layouts and foreign signposting can make even the most experienced motorist anxious about driving abroad, but many drivers still leave British shores without a sound understanding of the traffic regulations of the country they’ll be driving in.
“Many countries’ rules and traffic regulations will be similar to UK conventions, but there will be some discrepancies. Rules of the road are often enforced with greater firmness abroad, and ignorance is no excuse – tourist or not, you will be prosecuted.”
The IAM urges drivers to make sure they understand all road signs before setting off, and to obey them at all times. Local rules, such as speed limits and priorities, also have to be observed.
Mr Rodger added: “Most signs will be recognisable to you, and the meaning of unfamiliar signs should still be fairly obvious. Remember the general rule: triangles warn, circles prohibit and rectangles inform.”
If you’re driving your own car abroad:
- Do not drive too far without a break - tiredness can kill. Take a break every two hours and, if possible, change drivers regularly
- Plan your route and make sure you have an up-to-date map, even if using a SATNav
- Be aware that overtaking is a difficult and potentially dangerous manoeuvre, and driving a right-hand drive car on the “other” side of the road means you are not in the best position to see ahead. Always remember, the decision to overtake is yours – do not rely on the judgement of the passenger in the front seat
- Make sure that the car you are driving is roadworthy and, if it’s your own car, make sure your headlights have been properly adjusted for the side of the road you’re driving on. You may have to take the car into the dealer for this
- Insurance: most polices now include cover in Europe for a limited time but you should check your policy details and let your insurance company know where and when you will be travelling. Make sure you have breakdown cover, too, so that you know you will be able to get home in the event of a problem
If you’re hiring a car abroad:
- If you are used to an automatic but hiring a manual, be aware that it can be difficult to adapt to changing gear. You will need to get used to using the “wrong” hand while driving on the “other” side of the road
- Check the car very carefully at the depot before signing anything, including the windscreen. If you are not covered for windscreen and tyre damage you may be billed for a new screen. Additional unauthorised payments are one of the biggest causes of complaint with car hire