Drivers urged to check local laws before driving abroad
Posted by Anna Macintyre on Wednesday, 13 Jun 2012, 16:13 in Accidents and Vehicle Safety
Holidaymakers who opt to take their car with them on a trip abroad have been reminded to make sure they understand and comply with local driving laws before setting off. The advice comes after the publication of research which discovered that less than half of motorists who take their car to mainland Europe do not bother to carry out any research before leaving the UK. Insurance firm AXA found that of the 10 million Brits who will pack up their cars for a journey to mainland Europe this summer, many will either disregard or be completely ignorant of the rules of the road in the countries they will pass through. According to AXA, almost two-thirds of people will leave Britain without checking that they have the right documentation with them, and barely half will attach a GB sticker to their car. In France for example, it is illegal to use a satnav device that detects speed cameras. It is mandatory however for British cars to have a GB sticker if they do not have a euro numberplate, and for drivers to carry a reflective jacket in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. And from July 1 it will be a legal requirement for drivers in France to carry a breathalyser kit. Asia Yasir, of insurance firm Sheila's Wheels, told the Daily Express newspaper that motorists should call their insurer to get comprehensive European cover before heading abroad. By law, companies only have to provide their customers with third-party cover when driving in Europe. Yasir said: "One in 10 motorists sustain a collision, bump or a damaged windscreen while on foreign soil, so it is essential to make sure you have comprehensive cover while you are away."
