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Common errors for Britons driving abroad pinpointed with 25% all making same mistake


The vehicle insurance provider Prima has warned motorists to take care when travelling abroad, sharing a study of the most common driving errors whilst on holiday.

With the summer holidays underway, many families are setting off on breaks away, either taking their own car or renting a vehicle when they reach their destination.

Nick Ielpo, UK Country Manager for Prima, suggested that motorists planning to drive abroad should always brush up on local driving laws enforced in the destination they intend to visit before they set off.

He advised: “For your safety and that of other road users, always familiarise yourself with local traffic laws before driving overseas.

“Understanding local road rules can help to take away some of the anxiety about driving in a foreign country.”

In a study of 2,000 motorists from across the UK, Prima found that 25 percent of Brits have previously driven on the wrong side of the road when they were abroad.

Whilst it may sound obvious, it is all too easy to drive in incoming traffic when travelling along a quieter, unmarked street, with drivers often being completely unaware until an approaching vehicle heads straight for them.

It can also be all to easy, and dangerous, when negotiating some forms of junction, with countries who drive on the right traversing roundabouts anti-clockwise, yet still generally giving way to traffic from the right.

Prima also highlighted that 38 percent of drivers taking part in the company’s survey felt confused by the road signs when travelling abroad.

With the vast majority of popular holiday destinations not speaking English as a native language, it is always a good idea to learn the meaning behind some basic phrases drivers may see on the road.

In addition, a courtesy search of the meanings behind some of the more commonly-spotted road signs and logos to prevent unwittingly causing any motoring offences.

Finally, Nick recommended that drivers heading abroad should also double check that their insurance policy provides cover for when they are outside the country.

He added: “Before your trip, you should also double check the cover provided by your current UK car insurance policy. Make sure that you’re covered to drive in the specific country you’re visiting to avoid any nasty shock if you do have an accident.

“At Prima, our drivers have fully comprehensive insurance to drive abroad in or between any EU countries (and even some non-EU countries) for up to 90 days.”

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