| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 10/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 42 |
| Copyright: Other |
Non-UK hire
Don’t panic: some 30% of people over 44 won’t drive abroad and 16% of those under 44 feel the same but car-rental companies say it soon becomes second natureDriving abroad the right way
Agents should reassure clients that motoring overseas is no problem
SOME 30% of people aged over 44 will not rent a car for fear of driving in mainland Europe, according to new research from Avis.The survey shows that driving abroad is even an issue with younger people, with 16% of those under 44 who were questioned saying dislike of driving in a foreign country is their main reason for not hiring a car.
Avis group marketing manager Oliver Rait said:”These results were a surprise to us.
“We are now looking at ways to overcome people’s objections, such as advising older clients to travel with a younger person who can help to give them confidence.”
The prospect of driving a left-hand-drive car, using the gear stick with your right hand and travelling on the “wrong” side of the road was a key reason why many people would not rent a car overseas up to five or six years ago, but that fear was thought to have disappeared as travel became more commonplace.
Suncars general manager John Briggs said: “People used to get nervous about driving on the Continent but I didn’t think they did any more.
“The first time people drive abroad they tend to be overcautious, especially as they are usually trying to get out of an airport, but once out on the open road it is not a problem.”
Holiday Autos managing director UK and Ireland Tony Seaman said: “The first time, people do need to concentrate because everything is the wrong way around but it soon becomes second nature.”
Car-rental companies agree that accidents as a result of people driving on the wrong side of the road are almost non-existent. If they do happen, it is within half an hour of driving in Europe, said Rait.
While they are confident about driving on the right, many people still prefer to do so in their own car as they are familiar with the controls. Rait said that is not a good idea.
“We would advise Britons that it is easier to hire a car designed to drive on the left than to take a British vehicle in which it is more difficult to overtake,” he said.
“In the UK car they might be tempted to drive on the wrong side of the road.”
As an alternative, Hertz offers its Le Swap product, where UK renters can pick up a British hire car, take it through the Channel Tunnel and swap the vehicle for a left-hand-drive model upon arrival.
Rental prices start from £156 for a Ford Fiesta or similar including unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver and all insurance and taxes, plus return travel with Eurotunnel.
Alamo offers several pages of advice covering speed limits, rules of the road, road signs, as well as directing clients out of the airport.
Holiday Autos and Suncars said they both use quality suppliers which have their own procedures when clients collect cars.
factfile
Driving tipsfor renters
n In the US, although slow-moving traffic should stay in the right-hand lane, overtaking on the inside is permitted so make sure you check your mirrors as you may have cars on either side of you.
n Unless there is a sign that states otherwise, in the US and Canada you are allowed to turn right at a red light. However, you must make a complete stop before making the turn .
n Avoid drinking and driving. In most countries the limit is lower than in the UK and in some countries, including the Czech Republic and Hungary, no drinking is allowed before driving.
n In Germany, it is illegal to run out of fuel on the autobahn and offenders will be fined.
n In Spain, using a mobile phone or wearing earphones while driving is not permitted.
n And above all and whatever else you do, remember to drive on the right.