The majority of British motorists are likely to break continental road rules this summer.

This weekend, one of the busiest of the year, over 50% of UK motorists heading across the continent will unwittingly break the law within the first mile of their journey, according to motor insurer AXA. As many as two thirds (67%) of Brits will incorrectly identify basic road signs while thousands more won't be aware of the local speed limits or have their legal documents with them.

AXA's safety team conducted a weekend audit of British motorists at Dover, the UK's busiest port and discovered a lack of knowledge of even the simplest continental road rules only minutes away from needing them:

· A staggering 86% of British drivers failed to identify correctly the yellow diamond 'Priority' road sign, used in European countries to indicate which road has right of way.

· Despite France being the destination of eight out of ten motorists at Dover, over 40% were unable to recognise the French 'Give Way' sign - one of the most important signs on the road and the same shape as ours

· Less than a fifth of drivers (17%) knew the French motorway speed limit and less than one in twelve(8%) knew the Spanish motorway speed limit

'Can I see your documents please, Sir?'

AXA's safety audit revealed that British motorists are not only lacking knowledge of basic European road signs and rules but seem unaware of the documentation and equipment they need to be legal abroad.

A third of motorists (35%) were set to venture onto continental soil without a GB sticker on their car, even though it's a legal requirement to have one. Another third (30%) were not carrying a reflective warning triangle in their car, another legal requirement across Europe. Over half (54%) didn't have headlamp convertors or deflectors with them while one in ten (9%) weren't carrying their driving licence.

Drink up!

Over a third of us (38%) wrongly presume the alcohol limit for drivers in Europe will be higher than at home, when it's actually considerably lower in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Spain and Portugal.

But I've just had my birthday........

Be wary if you're travelling with drivers still in their teens. Six out of ten drivers at Dover (59%) would allow a 17 year old to drive their car on the continent, unaware that they'd be breaking the law in France, the Benelux countries, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Portugal where the legal age for driving is 18.

Probably the best in the world...

Although British drivers seem unprepared when it comes to their knowledge of European road rules, the vast majority reward themselves top marks for skill and safety when asked to rate themselves against other European drivers.

Six out of ten British drivers rate Brits as the most skilful drivers on the road and four out of ten say they're the safest. The vote is equally unanimous when it comes to the titles of 'Worst' and 'Most dangerous' -position is awarded to Italian drivers in both categories:

Best drivers in Europe

Position Nationality %
1 British 58%
2 German 11%
3 French 5%

Worst drivers in Europe

Position Nationality %
1 Italians 38%
2 French 22%
3 Spanish 10%

Safest drivers in Europe

Position Nationality %
1 British 38%
2 German 12%
3 Swedish 8%

Most dangerous drivers in Europe

Position Nationality %
1 Italian 53%
2 French 14%
3 Spanish 7%

Commenting on the results of AXA's continental safety audit, Simon Baker Motor Manager of AXA Insurance, said: 'Your first few minutes of driving on continental roads can be as bewildering and dangerous as your first experience behind the wheel, if you're not prepared.

'It only takes a short while to familiarise yourself with the road rules of the country you're visiting but it will allow you to cruise the continent with complete confidence and safety.'

To help redress this potentially dangerous situation, AXA will be handing out free 'Cruising the Continent with Confidence' pocket size guides to thousands of motorists at Dover over the busy weekends of 19/20 and 26/27 July. The free guides, which provide at a glance guides to European road rules and handy hints on continental driving are also available by calling 0207 009 2821 or by logging on to www.axa.co.uk.

A sample of AXA's top tips for holiday driving in Europe (tips taken from 'Cruise the Continent with Confidence' Guide):

• Is you car as ready for a holiday as you are?
• Check the following: Brakes, lights, oil and coolant levels, tyre tread and pressure. Also, make sure you have got your GB sticker, warning triangle and headlight beam deflectors as these are all essential.
• Continental code busting
• Understanding road signs shouldn't be as difficult as you think. The same rules apply: triangular signs are warning signs; rectangular signs give information and circular signs prohibit you from doing something.
• Don't assume anything
• Drivers on the Continent won't always react as you expect. Allow yourself extra space and time to react to unexpected manoeuvres.

Break it up!

Take the time to enjoy your surroundings. When you're driving long distances you should be taking a 15 minute break at least every two hours, this gives you a perfect opportunity to sample the local cuisine, take snaps of the scenery or even indulge in a spot of sunbathing!

 

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