- Warning...
- BRIT'S ON FOREIGN
ROADS.....!
THE HEATWAVE has given many people in the United Kingdom reason to forget the distant shores of France and Europe in favour of the staple home beaches and the traditional summer holiday. But as the scorching temperatures dissipate, drivers may be persuaded to throw caution to the wind leaving behind the cares and perils of English driving in favour of brighter shores.
Leading motorist association the Institute of Advanced Motorists warned
of the dangers of driving in a foreign country could be more fraught with accidents than many experience at home due to ignorance and the lack of information about driving abroad.
Emphasis on driving on the opposite side of the road, overtaking, legal requirements, insurance, and the simple courtesy of following another countries driving etiquette have all been stressed as part of the cautious approach that should be taken by British drivers as exuberant holidaymakers head for their destinations - making the trip full of pitfalls that could lead to exorbitant fines if the rules are not followed stringently.
Rules to remember:-
Driving on the right
hand side of the road is strange to you, so
concentrate. Don't brake the rules.
Know all the rules
in the country you are in and obey them. In France the
police can calculate your average speed between toll booths, issue
tickets on this evidence, along with on the spot fines. Many
rules and traffic regulations will be the same as in the UK, but
make sure you know!
Make sure you
understand the meaning of all road signs and obey them! Most
will be familiar to you and the meaning of those that are not
should be fairly obvious. Remember the general rule:-
triangles = warnings, circles = prohibited and rectangles =
information.
Being a tourist may
not get you off the hook if you have an accident or brake the
rules!
In some countries,
again France for example, vehicles from the right usually have
priority. Local people will usually expect everybody to
comply.
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Remember when you
are walking or a driver to "Think Right - Look
Left" and say it to your self
every time you approach a junction or go to cross the
road! By saying it, it should help you avoid the inclination
to want to drive on the left side of the road...
Do not drive too
far with out a break. REMEMBER "TIREDNESS
KILLS!" Take a brake every two hours and
change drives if possible regularly. Plan your route and
make sure you have an up-to-date map!
Overtaking is
difficult and potentially dangerous maneuver. You must
always be sue that your overtaking is going to be safe.
Driving a right-hand-side car on the "other" side of
the road means you are not in the best position to see
ahead. Always remember, the decision to overtake is
yours - do not rely on the judgment of the passenger in the
front seat.
Make sure that
the car you are driving is roadworthy and that the headlights
have been properly adjusted, if that is necessary.
You must tell
your insurance company if you intend to take your car
abroad. You should also ask your insurance company if
you need an International Driving License, Green Card or Bail
Bond.
If you wish to do a IAM course visit www.iam.org.uk.
FORMBY SLEUTH'S
AS SUMMER wanes and the nights get darker, the chill in the air brings a sense of mystery in Formby that arrives in the shape of a fundraising event at The British Oakleaf hall.
A murder mystery evening to take place at the hall on 20 September in support of the Formby Friends Fundraising group promises to keep the most vehement detective clued to the hilt. Guests are invited to bring their own 'supper' and light refreshments will be provided. Proceeds from the night will be donated to the Merseybeat Appeal at t he Cardiothoracic Centre.
For further information contact Colette McMenamin 01704 873286
EMAIL
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