Brits Opinions of Euro Drivers

How’s My Driving? Es mi manera de conducer? Comment est ma conduit?

Ignoring the poor translations, how do you feel about European motorists. The RAC recently carried out further studies into the mindset of the British driver as they embark on their summer migrations to the continent.

UK drivers were asked what they thought about how their European cousins faired on the roads.

One in five UK drivers polled fear dangerous road manoeuvres when driving in Italy and over a quarter claim to have experienced the highest levels of road rage there.

The research also identified Italy as the undertaking capital of Europe with 14% of respondents saying they see ‘much more undertaking’ than at home. British motorists claimed there was more excessive excessive beeping and tooting on the country’s roads, according to the research.

Although the Italians do use their horns more frequently, contrary to the stereotype the use of horns are forbidden in built up areas. Despite this Spanish motorists are most likely to scare Brits with their overtaking. Nearly a third of respondents who had driven in Spain in the past, also noticed increased use of the car horn there.

Germany is where motorists report the fewest incidences of driving too close (only 7% in comparison to 17% in Italy), the fewest dangerous manoeuvres and the highest levels of courtesy.

RAC research showed that motorists looking for a more sedate drive should also head to Belgium where over a quarter of respondents see much less flouting of road rules such as undertaking.

Despite negative connotations of driving styles, there is a lot of love for European roads. 51% of those surveyed would like to see the superior road quality seen in Europe echoed here. Likewise, 35% identified that there are fewer cars on European roads and 44% would like to see similarly reduced traffic in the UK. A third of motorists would also like to see better picnic and rest areas in line with those on the continent.

Another notable feature is the limited use of road signs on the continent. Studies have shown that excessive signs like we have in the UK can actually cause more damage than they prevent.

If you’re planning a road trip to the continent this summer just remember they’re not all out to get you and relax. Remember, you’re on holiday.

E. Dooley

13/07/2009