Get Tiff Needell's Top Ten Tips for driving abroad this summer

12-07-2006 11:11

One third of Brits could be breaking the law moments after driving onto foreign soil due to their lack of awareness of basic European rules of the road according to new research.

1 in 20 motorists have been involved in an accident whilst driving abroad and over half of these accidents have resulted in major damage to the vehicle. Young drivers are particularly at risk with 1 in 10 under the age of 25 involved in a serious incident on European roads according to new research from Lloyds TSB Insurance.

These figures aren't surprising given the catalogue of driving offences committed by British motorists abroad. 15% of drivers have driven on the wrong side of the road and 7% have gone the wrong way around a roundabout, not to mention the 2% of Brits who have reversed on a motorway after missing their junction!

Mistakes are made through ignorance: One third of us admit to not knowing the laws and basic road signs in other countries and 1 in 5 have cruised past a road sign they do not understand. 1 in 4 drivers shift the blame and say they simply do not trust drivers in other countries, with Italian motorists being seen as the most careless on the road.

What's more, when accidents and mishaps do occur British motorists are ill prepared for the consequences - half of all drivers heading abroad this year will not check that they have the appropriate insurance for European driving.

To find out how to drive safely abroad this summer, join Tiff Needell, presenter of Channel 5's Fifth Gear and Jon Woods, motor expert from Lloyds TSB Insurance, live online at Webchats.tv on Friday 14th July at 4pm