Many Brits could be heading for trouble this summer as almost a fifth admit they don’t take steps to prepare for holiday driving.
New research for Halifax Car Insurance reveals that while 63% of holidaying motorists plan to drive while abroad this year, 17% won’t make any safety checks, or take other measures to prepare for overseas driving.
The poll of 2,000 UK adults reveals nearly two thirds (64%) of drivers admit they aren’t planning to check what the road signs mean in the country they are driving in, only around a third (34%) will check which side of the road to drive on, and just 15% will know how to ask for directions in the relevant language.
This means some motorists could be leaving themselves open to risks such as motor breakdowns, car accidents, and lack of adequate insurance.While just over half (53%) will check the vehicle they are using is fully insured, and 53% plan to have breakdown cover, less than half (48%) will ensure the car is roadworthy, checking brakes, oil and tyres prior to setting off. |
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Paul Birkhead, Head of Halifax Car Insurance said, “It is worrying to see so many drivers setting off on holiday ill prepared for the challenges that motoring abroad can bring.
“We’d recommend drivers keep themselves and their families safe this summer by ensuring they do a bit of homework before leaving the UK, and check they know what to carry, they understand what common road signs mean, and they have adequate insurance and breakdown cover in place for the country they are driving in.”
Halifax Insurance tips to help motorists driving abroad this summer.
- Check you understand the most common road signs in the country you are visiting
- Ensure you have adequate breakdown cover and motor insurance that includes cover for driving abroad
- Make sure you know which side of the road to drive on to avoid a collision
- Understand what to carry in the car, for example some European countries require you to carry a warning triangle and high vis vest in case you break down
- Know the driving laws of the country you are in, for example in France eating and doing your make-up behind the wheel is a chargeable offence
- Know the drink driving limit. In France, Spain and Italy, the top three countries visited by UK motorists, the limit is 0.5 grammes per litre in comparison to the UK’s 0.8 grammes per litre.
Halifax Car Insurance includes 60 days European Driving Cover for EU countries and a 24-hour emergency claims helpline. For more details visit www.halifax.co.uk/insurance.