UK motorists nervous abroad

by Gill Montia

Story link: UK motorists nervous abroad

Norwich Union’s (NU) Driving Abroad Uncovered report has come up with some alarming findings amongst British drivers taking to foreign roads.

According to the NU’s survey, 48% of UK motorists admitted to being nervous about driving overseas.

This figure is hardly surprising when 35% of respondents admitted to having accidentally driven on the wrong side of the road and 42% usually looked the wrong way when approaching junctions.

These findings are supported by NU’s claims analysis which shows that confusion at roundabouts and in giving way to the right are some of the most common causes of accidents in Europe.

The report outlines the main concerns of UK motorists contemplating driving abroad, which include being involved in an accident (49%), car break down (34%) and misinterpreting unfamiliar road signs (13%).

Despite these concerns, many motorists are unprepared for driving in unfamiliar conditions and countries.

Twenty per cent didn’t do any research before they left, assuming they would “pick things up” when they reached their destination.

Five per cent were assuming that the road rules and regulations will be the same as in the UK.

In addition, an estimated one million of the eight million UK drivers taking to foreign roads don’t check their insurance.

NU is warning anyone planning on driving abroad to check their insurance, as having fully comprehensive cover in the UK does not automatically mean the same level of cover will be applied abroad.