We use a 1.4 litre Toyota Yaris. Driving on the Continent
Driving locally or abroad can be as simple as a doddle in the park or, on the other hand, a nightmare. Proper planning and preparation for that summer stint in France etc. should result in pleasant memories and a desire for a ‘Wish you were here’ the following year.
A good start is half the battle. In advance, the car should have a full service. Tyres require a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm, so, to ensure greater safety, make that 3 mm when exiting the home patch. (In winter, snow chains may be required.) Continental driving is on the right , therefore a wing mirror on the left is essential.
Headlights may need to be adjusted so as not to dazzle an oncoming driver. Some countries require the carrying of reflective jackets for the driver and a passenger. The jackets must conform to EU standards. A warning triangle should be carried at all times whether a legal requirement or not.
A Satellite Navigation has replaced the old road map but, don’t discard the latter.
A full Driving Licence must be carried and it is advisable to get an International Driving Permit which may be obtained from the AA at 56 Drury St., Dublin 2. Such Permit is merely a translation of your driving licence and is not a replacement for same.
A Certificate of Insurance must also be carried. Notify the Company of your intended travel, especially if going outside the EU or EEA.
If driving on minor roads, like in housing estates (abroad) remember to yield to traffic coming from the left. You cannot cross a continuous white line to gain access, like at home. And, especially, study roundabouts as you will find that the mirror image (entering to the right) may cause confusion when suddenly put to the test. Challenge yourself in the quiet of your home with your own ‘roundabout’ on the dining table or on the floor.
Have a passport for each traveller: check that it is in date and not due to expire within a few months of the return date.
When travelling abroad, medical cover must not be overlooked. Notify your insurer who will advise as to what cover applies. What medical entitlements apply at home may not apply outside Ireland. There are two areas of cover available; one is travel insurance which applies to all destinations and varies with the amount of cover sought, medical condition of applicant(s), age etc.
For EU citizens there is the EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. This is available to all, for free, and can be obtained through the HSE. This Card provides for medical care in the EU, European Economic Area and Switzerland. Such treatment may be free or at least at a reduced rate depending on the particular country. However, the cost of getting back home in the event of serious illness, or, bringing back a corpse, is not covered by this Card system – only travel insurance provides such cover. Some countries, such as Portugal, provide State healthcare and hospitalisation for free.
In the event of an emergency, dial 112, which is free from any phone, for ambulance and police.
Drink driving laws are similar to that in Ireland. In France it is obligatory to carry a breathalyser when driving and subject to an on- the- spot fine in the event of forgetfulness.
Notify your Credit Card Company in advance of your trip. Know whether you can use the ATM abroad and make payments at restaurants and retail outlets. Check the currency used in your country of destination and convert in your bank at home, not at the airport or on your arrival. Commission might cost an extra few per cent there.
Should you be planning on a wine scoop to Burgundy, don’t let it cost you an arm and a leg in overloading, breakdown or exceeding the amount permitted. The anticipated profit could easily end up in someone else’s till.
If intending to use your mobile phone abroad, check in advance whether your mobile provider has to activate your phone. Also check network coverage of the mobile network in the country you’re visiting. Roaming charges for calls and texts were exorbitantly high in previous years so the European Commission forced the providers to drop their charges to about 13 cent per text and receiving texts while abroad is free. Should your mobile internet usage abroad reach 50 euro, the service provider is obliged to inform you so that you don’t incur a shock bill.
To find out who your service provider is, check the phone book; e.g. Meteor is 1905, Vodafone is 1907.
It’s best to draw up a check list well in advance, keep adding to it until complete. Research and enquire of a friend who has already slain the dragon. Don’t be put off by scary tales of the adventure and you might become the next David Livingstone.