MILLIONS of British motorists head for the Continent oblivious to European road rules, a new study reveals today. Two in five holidaymakers who drive in Europe - that's more than five million motorists* - say they don't bother to find out beforehand about driving regulations for the country they are planning to visit, according to independent research commissioned by leading motor insurer Norwich Union.
MILLIONS of British motorists head for the Continent oblivious to European road rules, a new study reveals today.
Two in five holidaymakers who drive in Europe - that's more than five million motorists* - say they don't bother to find out beforehand about driving regulations for the country they are planning to visit, according to independent research commissioned by leading motor insurer Norwich Union.
Yet one in three motorists admit they don't feel confident about the driving rules in other European countries.
The research also reveals:
- Motorists spend more time before they set off deciding which map to buy than they do brushing up on European road regulations
- Drivers find European roundabouts and foreign road signs the most difficult aspects of driving abroad, followed by driving on the right
- One in seven motorists says driving abroad causes arguments with their partner
- Britons think the French are the worst drivers followed by the Italians
Richard Alger, market development manager, Norwich Union, said: "Motorists heading across the Channel often have 'tunnel vision', thinking only of arriving at their destination as soon as possible and getting on with their holiday.
"Yet driving on the Continent can be very different from driving in this country as there are many different road rules. One in three people say that they feel nervous before tackling foreign roads, but a little research beforehand could help to allay those fears and even help prevent motorists having a nasty accident.
"Holidaymakers should also ensure they have adequate insurance cover both for their family and their vehicle in case something does go wrong while they are away. Some policies may automatically include full foreign use, but you should check with your insurer well in advance of departure."
Norwich Union's top six tips for holidaymakers heading for the Continent this summer are:
- Plan your route carefully and familiarise yourself with driving regulations for the countries you are visiting. If you are a member of a motoring organisation they may be able to help you find out more information.
- Ensure your car is in good working order before starting your journey. It may be useful to check you have European breakdown cover.
- Pack a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, headlamp beam reflectors, and spare lamp bulbs or other equipment. These are required by law in many countries. Also, if you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, pack a spare pair in case they are lost or damaged.
- Talk to your motor insurer about getting additional cover for your car on the Continent**. You will need an international driving permit in certain countries and you may require a GB sticker on the back of any UK registered motor vehicle.
- Take the telephone number of your insurer in case it is needed.
- Check your passport is up-to-date and get an E111 Form in case you are taken ill in the EU.
Norwich Union offers full travel and motor insurance for people planning to drive to the Continent this summer. For more information contact your broker or Norwich Union Direct on 0800 888 111.
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Notes to editors
*Source: Department of Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) Transport Statistics Great Britain 2000 Edition, and Norwich Union independent research (as below).
** All UK motor insurance policies provide basic third party cover in European Union countries (and in some non-EU countries). You will normally, however, want the same cover on the continent that you have in the UK.
Norwich Union commissioned Taylor Nelson Sofres to conduct an independent survey of more than 1,000 adults across Britain. The survey was carried out in April 2001.
- CGU plc and Norwich Union plc merged on 30 May 2000 to create CGNU plc, the UK's largest insurance group and one of the top-five insurers in Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world's sixth largest insurer based on gross worldwide premiums.
- CGNU's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide premium income and retail investment sales from ongoing business of over Ł27 billion and assets under management of more than Ł210 billion.
- From October 2000, the combined life and pensions, general insurance and retail fund management businesses in the UK operate under the Norwich Union brand, while the institutional investment business operates under the Morley Fund Management brand.
Norwich Union Insurance Limited Registered in England Number 99122. Registered Office 8 Surrey Street Norwich NR1 3NG. Member of the General Insurance Standards Council. A member of the CGNU group.
For further information or to arrange an interview contact Matthew Buchanan or Jane Wheeler at QBO on 020 7379 0304 or Liz Nicholson at Norwich Union on 08703 666863.