Government launches campaign for safe driving abroad
The majority of UK travellers driving abroad come into some kind of trouble, according to new research.
Figures from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) reveal that up to two thirds of Britons who take to the wheel on holiday encounter problems while on the road and are a third more likely to experience a road accident.
Pamela Deegan, FCO vice-consul in Lille, France, said: "Around half of the hospitalisations and deaths we dealt with last year were related to road accidents."
The research has prompted the FCO to kickoff its Steer Clear of Trouble campaign which provides advice to motorists driving internationally and promotes safe driving practice.
Advice available on the FCO website urges drivers to check they have adequate car insurance, to service their car before travelling, and to take the necessary paperwork such as driving licenses.
The website also cautions motorists to drive "defensively", put a GB sticker on the vehicle and not to drink and drive because some countries have lower limits than the UK.
Updated on 26/06/2008