Brits are among the 35% of the world population who drive on the left side of the road – so what challenges do they experience when having to drive on the right? To find the answer, the experts at new driver insurance company Zego analysed UK survey data to reveal the mistakes Brits make most often when driving abroad.
Two in five Brits admit to driving on the wrong side of the road
The data shows that one of the mistakes made most often by Brits behind the wheel abroad is driving on the wrong side of the road, with 38% admitting to the mistake. People in approximately 30% of all countries in the world drive on the left side of the road, which leaves a considerable 70% driving on the right. As all countries in continental Europe fall under the latter, Brits taking a road trip should pay extra attention.
Welsh drivers were revealed to be the ones making the mistake the most, as nearly half (49%) have said they had driven on the wrong side of the road while abroad. They’re followed by Brits from the Eastern part of England (44%) and those from the North (42%).
Over two-thirds of Brits get lost while driving abroad
67% of Brits said they’ve gotten lost while driving abroad, making it the most common mistake Brits make while driving in a foreign country. Getting lost while travelling is nothing to be ashamed of, though, as proven by a study revealing a whopping 72% of people get lost on a trip. So, make sure to keep Google Maps handy.
Scots get lost the most, with 80% admitting they have gotten lost when driving on a trip. Following closely behind are the Welsh (70%) and Brits from the South of England (69%).
One in seven Brits go the wrong way around a roundabout
Roundabouts can be tricky, especially in a foreign country, as evidenced by the 13% of Brits who have claimed to have gone the wrong way around a roundabout. Extra caution is advised when driving in France, as the country was found to have the most roundabouts in the world – 42,986!
Brits from the South of England are taking the lead here, with one in five (20%) admitting to the mistake. Next are Brits from the Midlands – 15%. London drivers are third – 13%.
A few simple expert tips for Brits driving abroad
1. Make sure all necessary documentations are in order
Don’t forget to check if your driving licence is valid and if you’re travelling with your own car, make sure your insurance provides driving abroad cover, check your breakdown cover includes the country you’ll be visiting, and ensure you’ve taken your vehicle registration document with you.
2. Prepare for navigating the roads in the country you’re visiting
Apart from having a trusty GPS app on hand, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the road signs of the country you’ll be driving throughout, as they might differ from the ones you’re used to.
3. Pay extra attention on the road
As you’ll be driving through unfamiliar roads, extra vigilance is very important – be aware of your surroundings, be cautious when entering a roundabout and pay constant attention to speed limits.
4. Check you’ve got the required equipment in your car
A warning triangle, a headlamp beam deflector and a reflective jacket should always be available in your car before you start your trip.
5. Staying calm is key
Chances are you’ll be met by different driving styles on the road in your chosen destination, so it’s important to maintain your calm as much as possible, don’t be intimidated and keep driving responsibly.
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