Brits abroad- negotiating foreign terrain with confidence
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Driving on the left hand side is like second nature to British drivers, so it's easy to forget that we are out of step with the majority of the world when it comes to the rules of the road. After Ireland, the Channel Islands, Malta and Cyprus, you'd have to go as far as the Caribbean, the Indian subcontinent, or deep into sub-Saharan Africa to find anyone who shares our take on driving on the left-hand side of the road.
And while some have no worries at all about nipping over to mainland Europe with their car, for others, rolling off the ferry or Eurostar onto foreign soil is enough to cause a certain amount of anxiety.
So, if you are someone who is filled with apprehension about having the steering wheel on the 'wrong side' when you are negotiating continental roads, there are some steps you can take to quell your fears.
Before the off…
- Even though you may be familiar with your car, it's a good idea to make sure you are not too comfortable. Checking your driving position is correct, keeps you alert and gives you better visibility, while keeping cool air circulating, can help to maximise your awareness of what's going on out on the road.
- Plan your route before getting behind the wheel to avoid getting flustered if you are unsure of the way while driving. Even if you are intending to use your trusty satnav, it makes sense to have a hard copy map covering your journey.
- While road signs ought to be recognisable, they are not going to be identical to those in the UK. Familiarise yourself with the major signs in the countries you will be driving in, and remember that triangles indicate a warning, circles mean something is prohibited, while rectangular signs give information.
- While there is currently no specific legal requirement to adjust your headlights, you must not 'dazzle oncoming drivers'. In practice - even if you are not intending to drive at night - it makes sense to take a headlamp converter kit with you.
On the road…
- As the driver's seat is on the 'wrong side' for driving on the continent, most manoeuvres are going to be more difficult to perform, as you will have reduced visibility of oncoming traffic. Overtaking in particular is potentially dangerous, so drivers should take even more care than they would on UK roads.
- As with any long journey - regardless of which country you are in - in order to remain safe and alert, it makes sense to have a break from the road every two hours or so. Ideally, you could share the burden of driving with someone else.
- Make sure you carry all the relevant documentation for the countries you are travelling in. Obviously, as full driving licence is a must, as is your car insurance policy certificate and even vehicle registration document.
Cover up?
While you might be covered for a short trip to mainland Europe, you should contact your car insurance provider in good time before leaving, letting them know where and when you are travelling, and checking your policy details. In addition, it can make sense to have European breakdown cover, in case you are left stranded far from home.
With a little preparation before your big trip, you can minimise the stress and improve the experience of taking your car abroad, making it more of an adventure - and less of a daunting trip into the unknown.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
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Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light showers
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