Here are the top 10 guidelines for continental motoring.

• 1.  Driving on the right. "Think right, look left". There are key times when it is easy to lose concentration. These include driving on country roads with no white lines, roundabouts and turning out of car parks or petrol stations.

• 2. Driving Speed. You should drive slower than you do at home as it will give you more time to react to the unfamiliar. Be very wary of speed limits. In built-up areas on the Continent, the limit is normally 40kph (25mph), even if there are no speed restriction signs, and speed traps are common. Remember: Speeding and other traffic offences are subject to on-the-spot fines. In France, lower limits apply in wet weather: down from 130kph (81mph) to 110kph (68mph) on motorways.

Speed limits in km/h

• 3. Safety kit. Make sure you have the correct safety kit for the countries you are driving in: in most countries on the Continent you must carry a reflective warning triangle and spare bulbs.In France it is obligatory to carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket. The reflective jacket must be stored inside the vehicle itself. Non-compliance is a fineable offence.

Equipment and fittings:

R - Recommended
C - Compulsory

• 4. Accidents. If you have an accident, there is a risk that, because you are a foreigner, you are more likely to be blamed for it. So it is more crucial than ever not to admit liability, nor to apologise. In serious cases make sure the police are called and try to take the names and addresses of as many witnesses as possible, as well as the registration details of any other driver involved.

• 5. Blood Alcohol Limits. Drinking limits are lower in most European countries. If you have more than a glass of wine or beer, there is a risk that you could test positive. In Scandinavia the limit is so low that effectively you can't drink for 24 hours before you drive. You are more likely to be randomly tested for drink-driving in Europe.

• 6. Sleep. Long drives on empty motorways - especially at night - are particularly hazardous. Take regular breaks and share the driving if possible.

• 7. Tricks. Be wary of other drivers flagging you down. Road bandits have been a recent problem in Spain, in particular, targeting tourists by indicating that something is wrong with the car or even by deliberately puncturing tyres. If you stop, you are vulnerable to theft or mugging. If you think something is wrong, it is best to drive on until you find somewhere safe to stop (ideally a service station).
  Watch out also for people who try to distract you, such as a man who comes up to you while you are parked in a lay-by, spreads his map over your car roof , and asks for directions. While you pore over the route, his accomplice may quietly remove your partner's handbag from the front seat.

• 8. Insurance. Before taking your car abroad, check with your insurer. Although you should be covered automatically for third-party liability abroad, it may be a condition of your policy that you inform your insurer before going and make arrangements to ensure that cover is upgraded to comprehensive level.

• 9. Motor Breakdown. As well as insurance, drivers need to make sure they are covered for a breakdown abroad. Cover should include

        - Sending a mechanic to accident or breakdown site 

        - Repairing/towing the vehicle

        - Dispatching spare parts

        - Covering accomodation costs

        - Providing a replacement vehicle

        - Arranging/paying for you to return home

        - Following up repairs

        - Returning your vehicle to your home

• 10. Finally, a spare set of keys is also a good idea!