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Avoid a car accident while youre abroad follow the countryAvoid a car accident while youre abroad follow the countryby Lucia ApplebyIf you travel abroad and take your car, the odds are that you may be involved in a car accident. Negotiating new roads and unchartered territory may mean that you are not vigilant enough and do not pay adequate attention while youre on the road. The following driving tips may help to remind you what you need to pay attention to while youre on your foreign holiday to avoid a possible road traffic accident occurring. The most common mistake that people make when they are driving abroad is that they forget to check what side of the road they are driving on and have a car accident with a vehicle coming in the other direction. This often occurs as soon as they leave the transport terminus in the other country (like the ferry terminal). Check what side you should be on and stay on it. Road signs may be different – pay attention and carry a sign book for the country you are in. Systems to measure distances may differ. To convert kilometres and mileage, use the rule of thumb that 100 kilometres equals 60 miles. Road conditions may differ and in rural areas, your car may find itself in more demanding environments. Make sure you are carrying a spare tyre. For driving in places where it might snow (like the mountains), consider taking snow chains to cover the tyres. Different parts of Europe also have different road traffic policies to consider and you should consider the following points for the particular country you are driving in: General tips for driving in Europe Your car must display a GB sticker, you should fit headlight beam converters and carry spare bulbs. There are strict drink-driving rules in Europe, so enjoy wine-tasting, but not drinking too much continental vino! Radar traps are extremely common, so dont speed. Its compulsory to have the appropriate safety equipment with you when you travel, including a triangle and first aid kit. Seat belts are compulsory in the front and rear of the car. If you break down, the triangle needs to be placed 50 metres behind your car. If youre a young driver, the minimum driving age is 18 and not 17 like the UK, so even if you have passed your UK test you wont be able to drive. Toll roads are found throughout Europe, so carry enough cash for every journey. Driving in France Most motorways are toll roads, you have to use dipped headlights at night but can only use horns in an emergency. Vehicles approaching from the right have priority. Children under the age of 10 must sit in the back of the car and be fitted with a harness. Third party insurance is compulsory and leaded petrol is no longer available. For built up areas, cars must not exceed 50km an hour (30mph) and on major roads outside towns the speed limit is 90km/hour (56mph). The speed on motorways is 80km/hour (50mph). Driving in Spain Tolls are charged on many motorways and tunnels, EC model format UK licences (pink or green) are accepted and old-style green licences must be exchanged for International Driving Permits. Drivers who wear glasses must keep a spare pair in the glove compartment, third party insurance is compulsory and seat belts must be worn. Children under 12 are not allowed in the front seat unless they are suitably harnessed. Speed limits are 20km/hr (12mph) for residential areas, 50km/hr (30mph) for built-up areas, 100 km/hr (60mph) for major roads and 120 km/hr (74mph) for motorways. Driving in Italy Motorways come under the name of ‘autostrades in Italy, they have green signs and most require a toll. You must carry an EU licence and its compulsory to have third-party insurance. By law, you have to display a GB sticker on the rear of your car and its compulsory to wear seatbelts in the front and in the rear. Children under the age of 12 must wear a safety harness and horns cannot be used in built-up areas except in an emergency. Speed limits for cars are 50km/hr (30mph) for built-up areas, 100km/hr (60mph) for main roads and 130 km/hr (81 mph) for motorways. So make sure you avoid a car accident depending on where you are driving in Europe by following the appropriate country codes. Car Accident Advice Line http://www.car-accident-claim.com helps people to claim compensation after they have been injured in a car accident that was not their fault. You can call us now on 0808 143 43 42 |