Driving in Europe is popular but many don’t know what to do if there’s a problem

Driving in Europe is popular, but many don’t know how much it costs or what to do if there’s a problem.

According to research by the RAC 35% of motorists don’t know what to do if they have an accident in Europe.

A third don’t know the correct emergency services number in Europe – it’s 112.

Nearly 10% of motorists have been involved in an accident and 12% a car breakdown.

The RAC has a road trip guide to Europe’s 5 most popular driving destinations, which includes details of

• the maximum motorway speed limit
• comparative fuel prices
• compulsory material and
• some of the lesser known country specific driving laws.

For example in France

• the motorway speed limit is 80mph and 68mph in the wet
• fuel costs €1.25 for unleaded and €1 diesel
• You need to have headlamp converters, a warning triangle and a reflective jacket
• You must be 18 to drive
• Speeding can result in high on the cost fines and confiscation of your vehicle and licence
• Speed camera detectors are illegal whether in use or not.

European driving styles can also be quite different. The research found that 25% of UK drivers claim to have experienced the highest levels of road rage in Italy and that Spanish motorists are most likely to scare British drvers with their overtaking.

Don’t forget as well that car accidents in Europe cost, so make sure you buy car insurance that provides the appropriate level of cover.

For more advice on driving abroad you might like to visit the RAC website.

The RAC is part of Aviva, the 5th largest insurance group in the world.