Top holiday driving blunders revealed

One in four Brits have driven on the wrong side of the road on holiday, according to new research.

Getting lost topped the list of mishaps committed by British motorists abroad in the study commissioned by car leasing specialists UK Carline.

Top 5 driving mishaps

1. Getting lost (35%)
2. Misreading/misunderstanding a road sign (32%)
3. Driving on the wrong side of the road (24%)
4. Mistaking KPH for MPH (19%)
5. Driving the wrong way around a roundabout (17%)

Despite the stereotypes, UK Carline’s research suggests that it is more likely to be men who lose their way behind the wheel abroad, with male drivers are also more likely than women to drive on the wrong side of the road, mistake KPH for MPH, and drive the wrong way around a roundabout.

To help drivers heading off on their holidays this summer, UK Carline has provided the following five tips to driving successfully abroad:

Be prepared
When driving in most countries, you will need to keep a series of documents on you at all times – these include the original of your V5c, motor insurance certificate, travel insurance documents, any International Driving Permits that might be required. You will also be required to have your passport on you at all times as well.

Know the rules
Currently leasing your vehicle? With a few exceptions, almost all leased cars can be driven in Europe. However, you will need to notify the funder and arrange for them to send you a completed DVLA VE103 form as proof of their authority to take a leased vehicle abroad.

Have the right kit
From breathalyser kits to reflective jackets some countries require you to have certain equipment in your car and it often differs to what is required in the UK. The AA, RAC and other motoring organisations have full lists on their websites.

Take it slow
It’s easy to get stressed behind the wheel, especially when you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar or on a completely different side of the road than what you’re used to. Go at your own pace and stick to the slow lane of the dual carriageway or motorway until you’re feeling more confident.

Map it out
With a third of drivers confessing to getting lost abroad, a GPS and map will prove invaluable. In addition to following your Sat Nav, make yourself familiar with your route ahead of time to avoid any surprises once on the road, and make sure your Sat Nav has been updated with any new roads or routes.

British motorists were also polled on the places they found most difficult places to drive:

1. France & Monaco – 15%
2. Spain – 13%
3. USA – 9%

“We were astounded to discover how many British motorists commit basic driving blunders on foreign roads,” said Jonathan Nolan of UK Carline.

“While it is nice to daydream and get carried away with the more pleasurable side of our summer holidays, it is really important to take 10 minutes to brush up on the basic motoring laws and rules of the road for the country you are visiting.

“Ensuring you get to grips with the local driving laws before you go and taking it slow once behind the wheel will reduce the chances of committing driving mishaps.”