If you are planning to drive in a foreign country, you will be much more vulnerable than at home. When you are suffering from jetlag, the last thing that you want to be doing is driving. Here are some safe driving tips for abroad, taking your own car to a foreign country, and road safety abroad:
Hiring Cars Abroad
You need to find the best deal when shopping for a car abroad. Although online comparison sites are great, independent rental companies might have better deals. Make sure that you pay for the car using a credit card – doing so will make it easier to sort out any disputes that may arise much later.
You also need to take your driving license with you. If you are anxious about driving on foreign soil, you should consider taking an advanced driving course before you embark on your trip. As the travel date draws closer, you should book a car in advance to avoid missing your chance.
If you book a vehicle through your bank card then you need to ensure this. Most of the banks offer these insurance policies while booking vehicles. However, you must avail of these to avoid bad consequences.
Consider booking a vehicle near your hotel because hiring a car at the airport is expensive. As soon as you get the car, you should check it thoroughly to ensure that everything is in good condition. In the first sixty minutes after getting into the car, you need to be cautious because that is when you are most vulnerable. When returning the car, you should make sure that it has a full tank of petrol.
Besides all these things, you need to be comfortable with driving far away from the home town. For example, you’re used to driving an automatic transmission car but you hire a manual vehicle. In this case, you’ll face some difficulties while driving on new routes. You’ll also need some time to settle down with its going. The same goes for the left and right side driving vehicle. So, if you’re not comfortable with a new vehicle then avoid driving.
Taking Your Vehicle Abroad
If you are taking your car to another country, make sure that it is fully insured. Moreover, you have to hire a mechanic to check it for problems before you leave. You should also consider purchasing breakdown insurance that can cover your vehicle in the countries through which you will be passing.
Carry a warning triangle that you can use in case your car breaks down along the way. In the event of an accident, you should have reflector jackets for every person in the car to wear. To avoid blinding other drivers when driving on the opposite side of the road, you should apply headlamp converters. You’ll also need some basics about the engine while hitting the new road. Moreover, you have to be calm if your car has stopped. Don’t be panic while any bad consequences.
If you’re taking your own vehicle then you must need to take all essential documents of the vehicle with yourself. You don’t know the driving and traffic rules of the new state properly. So, you also have to learn some basic rules about your destination’s traffic rules.
Moreover, your vehicle must have a navigation system because it will help a lot in guiding you in new ways. Though, you’ll easily reach on the destination without any wasting of time. One wrong turn can take your precious time and fun away. Keep your phone’s battery charged.
Additionally, carry some food along yourself while driving. Because hunger can catch you anywhere. This precaution will save you from the attack of hunger. Food craving can ruin your mood and bad mood will take away the fun of traveling. Each moment far away from home offers you fun and unforgettable memories.
Road Safety Abroad
Before you embark on your journey, you should research the road rules of the country that you will be visiting. Because you will be anxious behind the wheel on foreign soil, it is necessary that you alternate driving with another person. Doing so will give you regular breaks and keep you from panicking.
When driving abroad, you should keep your trips short to avoid long drives that will tire you. Make sure that you pay attention to the road because foreign drivers might drive differently and more aggressively than the ones back home. Even if you do not know what you are doing, you should not let other drivers intimidate you.
You should also consider taking a map of the area that you will be visiting and studying it in advance. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the area, making you feel more prepared for driving abroad. In some countries, the legal drink-drive limit might be lower than what you are used to – you should avoid alcohol altogether if you are going to drive. Traffic police might ask you for your passport and driving license so you should carry them with you at all times. You must follow these safe driving tips before starting your road trip
Conclusion
Driving in a foreign country can intimidate even the most confident drivers. The above safe driving tips will come in handy if you are planning to drive abroad. Make sure that you conduct enough research ahead of time to avoid landing yourself in trouble while on vacation.