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Stay safe on foreign roads this summer and follow RoSPA’s tips

With the end of the school year, and families across the country packing their bags for holidays abroad, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is offering tips to make sure you stay safe on foreign roads.

With driving holidays both in Europe and further afield becoming ever-more popular, and due to the disorientating effect driving on unfamiliar roads can have, the likelihood of having an accident on the roads outside of the UK can increase.

So RoSPA has come up with a few simple tips which, if followed, can help to ensure your holiday does not end in disaster.

Nick Lloyd, the charity’s road safety manager, said: “When planning a trip abroad which involves driving it is easy to forget the basics.

“Check the rules of the road in the countries in which you will be driving so you know what documents or extra equipment you need to take with you.

“Remember to ensure your car is in good mechanical order. If it needs a service, don’t leave it until the day before you are due to depart as this may not give the garage enough time to carry out unexpected repairs.”

If a service is not due, remember to carry out a POWER check on your vehicle: Petrol; Oil; Water; Electrical (you will need a full set of replacement bulbs in some countries); Rubber (tyre condition, tread depth and pressure).

Give yourself plenty of time to reach the ferry terminal, and check the traffic situation prior to departure to avoid potential delays.

Remember to pack your full driving licence, international driving permit (if required), vehicle registration (V5) document, motor insurance certificate, and travel insurance documents.

Nick added: “When you finally reach your holiday destination and find yourself on roads abroad, you can maximise your safety and stay legal by taking a few simple precautions.

“If you are hiring a car, familiarise yourself with all the controls, and make sure that all the lights are working prior to driving off.”

The legal alcohol limit varies from country to country but as in the UK, the best advice is not to drink any alcohol before driving, and in many countries it is illegal, and always dangerous, to use your phone behind the wheel.

If driving on the right, be extra careful - it is very easy to forget which side of the road you are supposed to be on for a moment, especially when setting off from a petrol station.

You will need beam deflectors for your lights if using your own car abroad, and it is compulsory in many countries for the driver to have a reflective jacket or waistcoat in the car. Warning triangles are also required in France and many other countries.

Finally, be aware of speed limits as they are not uniformly set and vary according to the country and road type. Remember 112 - the emergency number to key in to your phone should the worst happen.

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