Britannia Rescue - UK Roadside Recovery
Tips for driving abroad
Before you go
- Take out European breakdown cover. Call 0800 591563 and ask for information on our deluxe option.
- It is advisable to do a thorough check on the country you are travelling to. You can use the link under travel to www.drivingabroad.co.uk to do this or you can contact the driving authority in the country you are travelling to.
- Remember to plan your route before you leave. You can do this by visiting our route planner or by contacting the country's tourist office, where you will be able to obtain maps, guides and general tourist information
- Make sure your car is roadworthy and has a rear GB sticker and headlight beam deflectors. Britannia Rescue members can call 0800 591563 for their free GB sticker.
- You need to carry a warning triangle, a complete set of bulbs, first aid kit (especially in Greece) and a fire extinguisher. This should comply with most European countries' laws.
- Check your passports are current and your driving licence is valid for Europe. You may have to update your driving licence to the new photocard style or an international travel permit.
- Tell your insurance company when you're going abroad and find out what to do in the event of an accident.
- Important travel news
While travelling
- On the day of your holiday allow plenty of time to get to the port or tunnel. And relax. You need to stay cool, calm and collected. Take time to adjust your rear view mirror and wing mirrors to accommodate your new driving position.
- Most accidents abroad are caused by forgetting which way to look, everything is the wrong way round and nothing is where you would expect it to be. Think back to front - especially on roundabouts and road junctions.
- Obey the rules of the road: being a tourist is no excuse for not being aware of them. In Spain, for example, if you park in the 'zona de grua' you will be towed away. If you wear glasses it is also an offence not to have a spare set with you.
- If you break down on the autoroute in France you must use the SOS boxes to call for help. It's illegal to call by any other means e.g. mobile phone.
- Don't drink if you're driving - most European laws are tougher than ours.
- Watch out for amber filter signs at town traffic lights allowing you to turn right (with care) against a red light.
- Never carry a full spare petrol can. (Illegal in Greece).
- Don't forget to carry a first aid kit - as is required by French Law - you might need it for your self or others.
- Check tyre condition, especially the spare.
- Also check that the car/vehicle carries the right jack and wheel nut/bolt release mechanism. If the car is fitted with a wheel security device make sure you have the key or tool to release it.If the car is fitted with alloy wheels and the spare is on a steel rim, make sure it fits properly (alloy rims are thicker than steel so different length bolts or studs need to be used).
- Take a spare set of keys. It's worth remembering that in order to start a car you first need to get past the door lock, steering lock, ignition immobiliser (if fitted) car alarm (if fitted) and ignition lock. That's 5 security devices!
- And finally remember. have a good trip.
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