Tips for safe driving … in France

#FRANCE is a beautiful country in which to drive but, says Swinton Insurance, be sure to remember these six tips:

1. Foot off the gas – The French take speeding very seriously and speed limits are implemented rigorously. Carrying speed detecting devices is illegal, too, so switch off your SAT NAV alerts or you could lose your licence and your car. 
2. Cruise, don’t booze – Forget having a drink if you’re intending to get behind the wheel. French laws are much stricter than those in Britain … so much so that you will be expected to carry your own breathalyzer. 
3. Be smart – Obey the rules of the road and enjoy your break in peace, but commit a traffic violation and, be warned, you could face an on-the-spot of fine of up to €375 (£268). If you are fined, make sure you get an official receipt. 
4. Calling for help – Use the bright orange telephone boxes that are dotted along the motorway and toll roads (roughly every 2KM/1.2 miles) to contact the local breakdown recovery service. 
5. Carry a hi-vis jacket – Most UK drivers will find this odd, but when in France you must carry a high visibility jacket in the car – and not in the boot – in case you need to leave your vehicle at any point. Also make sure you have a warning triangle. 
6. Right is right – It seems obvious, but remember that people drive on the right-hand side of the road in France, as they do in rest of continental Europe. Keep your eyes peeled for where traffic is coming from, and approach junctions with caution. 

What if things go wrong? Here are some phrases that might come in handy in an emergency:

• Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous Anglais? 
• I am lost! – Je suis perdu! 
• Can you send me a mechanic / breakdown van? – Pouvez-vous m’envoyez quelqu’un / une dépanneuse? 
• My engine has overheated – Le moteur a surchauffé. 
• I have lost my car keys - J’ai perdu mes clés de voiture 
• My engine doesn’t sound right – Mon moteur fait un drôle de bruit 
• I have a flat battery – Ma batterie est à plat 
• Car – voiture 
• I’m out of fuel – J’ai plus d’essence 
• My brakes aren’t working properly – J’ai un problème de freins 
• I have a flat tyre – J’ai un pneu à plat/ J’ai un pneu crevé 
• I’ve put the wrong fuel in my car – Je me suis trompé de carburant/ d’essence 

For more about the rules and regs of driving in France – and to download a guide to take with you – go to http://www.swinton.co.uk/car-insurance/guides/driving-abroad/france/

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