Hire car troubles in a foreign land
Europe is a strange and scary place in which to drive. Before setting off on any driving holiday, check your insurance, license and breakdown cover are all valid whilst abroad, and if you need European breakdown cover just ask your insurance provider whilst you are checking you insurance policy.
It will be worth you're while to get your car checked before you go. Then you will need to go shopping, as you'll need up-to-date maps (or GPS), a warning triangle, a spare set of bulbs, a first aid kit, and even a fire extinguisher. Check local laws as well; if you are driving in Spain you are required to have a spare pair of glasses if you wear them normally and in Greece having a spare petrol can is illegal.
Investigate speed limits and other laws of the road in the couontry you are heading for. In France, anyone caught traveling at more than 25km/h above the speed limit can have their license confiscated on the spot. French drink driving laws are also more stringent than our own.
Common sense applies too: some roads signs are bound to be different. Be especially careful to check out what their traffic lights mean, especially the flashing amber. Of course, sometimes locals don't keep the laws, but make sure that you do, as some countries give on the spot fines, that can be up to £100. Also, be aware that local customs may be different - someone flashing their lights in Italy doesn’t indicate they are letting you through, it means they are going. You can see the potential pitfalls…
Be prepared to encounter more toll roads than in the UK. Always keep change in your car, and look into which countries require a permit to use the toll roads. Keep an eye on your petrol tank - running out of petrol is not fun at the best of times, especially in a foreign country, but in Germany it's actually illegal to run out on the Autobahn. It’s also an offence in Germany to make derogatory signs or use abusive language on the roads, so keep a cool head.
The most obvious difference is that driving in Europe is on the right, meaning that you need to be constantly aware where you are looking. Also you're mirrors will give you different blind spots, roundabouts will be the wrong way, and pulling out, especially from parking, will be hazardous. Always look left! Never let you guard down, and beware especially when getting of the ferry as most accidents happen then.
If you’re thinking of using a hire car on your travels, rather than your own, Car Hire 3000 are a great resource – check out their website for car hire UK.
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