| Call us on: | 0845 850 0845 |
|---|
Holiday Motoring Misdemeanours
80 per cent of British motorists don’t know what the speed limits are abroad
Almost eight in 10 drivers (79 per cent) admit that they have no idea what the speed limits are in countries outside of the UK, research by QUINN-direct, the young drivers car insurance specialist, reveals today. This figure is rather disappointing given that 68 per cent of British motorists have driven abroad.
The survey, carried out to mark the beginning of the holiday season, looks into the state of the nation’s knowledge of international driving laws.
As well as not knowing about speed limits outside of the UK, British motorists appear happy to flout motoring laws abroad as well. Nearly half (44 per cent) of motorists admit to knowingly breaking the speed limit abroad and almost one in 10 (seven per cent) of drivers admit that they would be more likely to drink and drive while on holiday than in the UK.
Additionally, it seems British motorists also aren’t aware what they are required to carry in their vehicles – 56 per cent don’t know they need a high visibility jacket in the car, 46 per cent don’t know that they are required by law to carry a first aid kit in many European countries and 26 per cent don’t realise that they should have a hazard warning triangle in the car at all times.
When it comes to preparing for motoring mishaps on holiday, British motorists are worryingly care free - nearly half (45 per cent) of motorists aren’t aware if their breakdown cover extends to driving their vehicles abroad. And if they were to breakdown overseas, 56 per cent of British motorists don’t speak a foreign language, so may find themselves in a rather difficult situation.
Men are more savvy than women when it comes to international road laws with 29 per cent saying they know what the speed limit is in countries outside of the UK, compared to just 15 per cent of women.
Comparing different areas in the UK, the Welsh are in most need of improvement when it comes to knowledge about international driving laws, with only 10 per cent saying that they know what speed limits are outside of the UK. This is compared to the much more conscientious motorists in London – 26 per cent of who say that they know what the overseas speed limits are.
John McDonagh, Head of Consumer Insurance, from QUINN-direct, said:
"It is concerning that so many British motorists are not aware of international driving laws. Not only is there an obvious safety risk, but drivers could be fined or even arrested if caught breaking the law in this way.
"We would advise reading up on the local rules of the road, and checking in with your insurer if you are unaware of what your policy covers, before embarking on a driving trip abroad. For all young drivers it’s important to check your young drivers insurance to make sure you are fully covered. This way you can avoid any motoring mishaps ruining your holiday."
