On the road

Good weather does not always mean good driving conditions. Rain, at the end of a long dry spell, can mix with dust, oil, and rubber, producing a road surface like an ice rink.

  • Never, ever drink and drive. Do you want to shatter your own or other family lives?
  • Never break traffic speed limits and keep your distance from the car in front
  • Don't forget to stop and take frequent breaks.
  • Ensure you and all passengers wear seat belts at all times, including those “just popping down to the shop” trips
  • Regularly check car tyres for baldness and make sure tyre pressure is correct
  • If you are taking your car on holiday make sure you have it serviced. It may be hard to get breakdown assistance in a foreign country.
  • Make sure that luggage does not impede the drivers vision or prevent seat belts from being used. If using a roof rack make sure everything is securely tied down.
  • Pack favourite toys and plenty of games to keep your back seat passengers amused.
  • If you start feeling tired, let someone else drive. If you are driving alone, pull into a rest stop or another safe location and take a short nap or walk around for a few minutes.
  • If driving abroad have the headlights fitted with deflectors.
  • Have your vehicle thoroughly serviced before venturing abroad - long distance high speed travel on European roads will expose any weaknesses that your vehicle may have developed.
  • Take with you a 'touring kit' of spare parts obtainable from your dealer. This can be arranged on a rental basis paying only for parts actually used.
  • Do not overload your vehicle or maintain excessively high speeds for long periods of time - this is perhaps the most common cause of mechanical failure.
  • If you are unfortunate enough to experience a breakdown remember that repair costs are generally higher abroad. Obtain a firm estimate before authorising repairs and make sure that any work is carried out to your satisfaction before accepting delivery of your vehicle from the repairer.
  • Leave home with a spare set of car keys, or make a note of the serial numbers.
  • In most EU countries there is no longer an obligation to possess a green card. However we strongly recommend you to approach your Motor Insurer for advice in this respect. The green card provides evidence that you have extended your motor insurance cover to apply whilst you are abroad. It can only be obtained from the Motor Insurance Insurer and Breakdown Insurance is not a substitute for the cover provided.
  • Take with you your Vehicle Registration Book and Motor Vehicle Insurance Certificate.
  • In the event of a medical problem or a vehicle breakdown contact First Assist.

    Email: info@firstassisttravelers.com
    Tel: Access Code + 44 - 208 - 763 3303
    Fax: Access Code + 44 - 208 - 763 3035