Heading to Europe by car this summer? Read these useful tips

Road safety experts GEM Motoring Assist are warning drivers to be aware when heading from the UK to Europe by car for their summer holidays.

Preparing for tolls

But first, think about planning your route and budgeting for any tolls you may have to drive through. GEM estimates a return motorway journey from the UK to the south of France can exceed £200 in toll charges alone, so be prepared for any costs you may come across.

Understanding different payment methods may also help you speed up your journey, with electronic toll tags the most efficient method to use. Make sure to have your card and any cash ready just in case.

6 Tips For Driving Abroad

Drive on the right

Quite an obvious one, but important to consider as driving on the right means different ways of approaching junctions, roundabouts and when joining or leaving motorways.

Take regular breaks

Travelling across Europe can often result in long stints between destinations, so make sure to take lots of breaks to avoid driving while tired. Research from GEM shows driver tiredness causes around 20% of collisions on major roads, and it is recommended that a break every two hours, as well as staying hydrated during the hottest parts of the day, can reduce fatigue and improve concentration.

Don’t drink and drive

While there is a legal amount you can drink in the UK before driving, GEM advises avoiding alcohol altogether when driving abroad as the vast majority of European countries have lower legal blood alcohol limits than the UK. Some countries even have strict zero-tolerance rules for certain driver groups.

Know the speed limits

Different countries have different national speed limits, so take note of signs and understand how they work in that area. Take extra care in rural areas and around schools.

Carry the right kit

Prepare your car before travelling by making sure you have certain equipment. It’s a good idea to have reflective jackets, warning triangles, UK stickers, spare bulbs, essential documents (licence, passport, insurance or registration document) and first aid kits in most countries. Familiarise yourself with each country’s road laws on these matters beforehand, as fines can often range between €90 and €140. 

Watch for local restrictions

Local areas including towns and cities often have different laws to the wider country, so be aware of things like low-emission zones, city access charges, priority rules at junctions and requirements for daytime running lights. Authorities can dish out fines if they deem any of these to be broken.

James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM Motoring Assist, said: “Driving abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it brings additional risks that shouldn’t be underestimated. Fatigue, unfamiliar road systems and unexpected costs can quickly turn a holiday journey into something stressful and potentially risky.

“The key is preparation - plan your route, understand the rules of the road in each country, and make regular stops to stay alert. A well-prepared driver is a safer driver.” 

words: Mike Booth
pictures: GEM Motoring Assist