Renting a car
Renting a car when travelling is an ideal way to get out and about your business and explore the local area but it is important that you do not commit any driving offences on foreign roads, both for your own safety and the safety of others. For example do you know that it is compulsory to carry a fire extinguisher if you are driving in Greece or Poland ? All countries have their peculiarities when it comes to driving. Buy a good travel guide before you go away - most offer advice on local driving.
Most people know that drivers in many other countries use the right side of the road and not the left. But did you know that is a legal requirement for motorists travelling in Spain to carry a red warning triangle in the event of an accident or breakdown? Failure to comply can result in a spot fine of up to 90 euros. All vehicles in Spain must also carry a spare fan belt and a full set of spare bulbs, as well as the tools needed to change them. In fact most European countries require you to carry at least one warning triangle.
In most countries a UK driving licence is acceptable provided you don't intend to stay for more than 12 months. In other countries you may need an International Driving Permit (sometimes called an international driving licence). Both the AA and the RAC are able to issue these and can tell you where they are required. You will find out you need a credit card to be able to rent a car.
Readers’ experiences have taught us that on rare occasions things can go wrong. We have been told of attacks on travellers behind the wheel in unfamiliar territory so it is important that you rent your car from reputable sources. Most car rental companies advertise themselves prominently at departure or arrival points but it is helpful to reserve your car online before your trip so that you can be assured of prompt and reliable service when you arrive. Plan your journey. Car rental companies now supply GPS or other navigation systems with their vehicles so that you do not get lost; this also helps you save money on fuel.
Things you have to be aware of:
Carjacking, road rage and accidents: It is a generally accepted behaviour to stop and swap contact and insurance details when you are involved in any car accident. However, this is now being open to exploitation by car thieves who deliberately drive into a car at traffic lights or at junction then force the driver out of the vehicle in order to steal it. We agree that you must stop in the event of an accident but make sure you feel safe and try to avoid accidents. National Car rental, UK ’s leading vehicle rental organisation recently revealed startling figures relating to costs incurred by both businesses and the rental industry due to damaged rental vehicles. National says that the number of vehicles damaged by customers has increased significantly 2005 on 2004, with an astonishing 27% increase in accident damage reports resulting in an expensive 11% increase in accident costs to National. Read the full article.
Even though road rage is rare, sadly they do exist. The most trivial of incidents can spark a road rage situation, so to help reduce your chances of becoming involved in a road rage incident, drive with consideration for others, keep your distance from other vehicles and try to avoid eye contact with other drivers. If you are confronted, we recognize that it is not easy but try and remain calm and don't react angrily or with violent gestures.
Keep an eye on your belongings: If possible take someone else with you, especially when driving at night on unfamiliar roads. Lock all valuables and bags in the boot. Smaller items you need to keep handy should be kept in the glove compartment or out of sight under a seat. If you must keep items nearby, secure them with a seat belt - through the handle of a briefcase or bag for example. This will also protect occupants from flying objects in a collision.
If you have one, use a mobile phone to let someone else have your car details. Have useful numbers pre-programmed into your mobile so that you can call someone quickly if necessary.
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