Car hire holidaymakers 'need to research destination'

Car hire customers have been advised that they should research the destination they are driving to on holiday before heading off.

The Backpackers Ultimate Guide (Bug) issued the advice after the RAC revealed that a third of Brits are planning to drive in Europe this summer, possibly with a hire car.

According to the RAC, 35 per cent of motorists surveyed have no idea what to do if they are involved in an accident abroad and only a third know the correct number for the emergency services in Europe.

The research also revealed that nearly one in ten motorists have been involved in an accident whilst driving in Europe and 12 per cent have broken down.

Furthermore, many motorists believed that fuel is cheaper in Europe, but in the four most popular driving destinations on the continent - France, Germany, Italy and Belgium - unleaded petrol costs more.

However, for diesel-taking car hire customers fuel is cheaper in the major destinations, particularly Spain where it costs approximately 25 per cent less than in the UK, saving motorists up to €60 (approx £51) on the average trip.

Tim Uden, a managing editor at the Bug, warned that the most obvious issue drivers have to get to grips with quickly abroad is driving on the other side of the road.

"During those first few days you will need to [pay] extra attention while driving, particularly when making left turns and when entering roundabouts - where traffic flows the opposite direction to what you are used to," he advised.

Other pitfalls are place names differing in their native language to what they are called in the UK, which could lead to car hire customers becoming lost, said the expert.

"If you're visiting a large city, it is often easiest to park near a train station on the outskirts of town and take public transport into the city centre," Mr Uden advised.

"You'll not only save your sanity, but you’ll also save a lot of money in parking fees."

The AA gives car hire customers driving abroad a list of essential items to take on holiday, including a valid full driving licence (not provisional), with paper counterpart if you have a photocard licence and an International Driving Permit when necessary.

Drivers should also ensure they have their passport and visa documents in case they are pulled over by police.