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Not many
drivers will be hoping for a white Christmas, as winter
weather can cause havoc on the roads. But if you’re
heading abroad there’s every chance you might
encounter weather and road conditions you’re
not used to. That’s why leading international
car rental specialist, National Car Rental, is providing
advice to motorists who will be driving abroad for
the seasonal holidays. And it’s urging travellers
to book early for Christmas to secure the vehicle
they need, with room for the family and all the presents.
“The
beauty of a rental car means drivers don’t have
to worry about the condition of their vehicle before
setting out on winter roads” confirmed Carmen
Gomariz, National Car Rental. “Vehicles in the
National fleet are fully maintained and serviced and
covered by 24/7 roadside assistance. But we know it’s
not just the vehicle condition that can be a worry
on winter roads. Driving in an unfamiliar country
with its local road rules, and in an unfamiliar car
if renting can be an unsettling experience, especially
if the weather takes a turn for the worse! However,
our Drive Safe website gives motorists plenty of useful
information and tips on what to expect when driving
in a new country which could prove very useful this
Christmas.”
Completely
free to access, the National Drive Safe website includes
driving information on 50 countries in Europe, the
Middle East, Africa and North America. Users can find
in-depth guidelines on key road regulations, including
speed limits, alcohol limits and road tolls, as well
as advice on country and city driving. Tips on rush
hour times, parking rules and road safety initiatives
are also included as well as the rules on whether
hand held mobile phones can be used and what sort
of child seats are required. Plus Drive Safe users
can register for updates and news of special offers
as well as add their own traffic tips, providing first-hand
information for other visitors to the site.
It
also offers key country facts for travellers including
the currency, time zone, calling code and, very useful
for planning Christmas travel, a real-time weather
forecast, as well as access to a Google map for each
country.
“Customers
looking for the comfort and convenience of a National
vehicle should book early to ensure they get the car
to suit their needs” concluded Carmen Gomariz.
“At Christmas, extra space for luggage and family
members makes all the difference. And with the National
Drive Safe website they can find the best National
Car Rental location for the journey as well as book
online.”
Drive
Safe is available at www.nationaldrivesafe.co.uk
National Car Rental’s safe Christmas driving
tips:
* Listen to weather reports before you go and stay
at home if conditions are very bad
* Eat before you go, in case you get stuck in bad
weather
* Plan your route, as major roads are more likely
to have been gritted
* Always carry a fully charged mobile
* Don’t forget your coat, a hat, gloves and
boots, as well a torch, shovel and first aid kit
* Clear all of the windows and the roof using a scraper
and de-icer, not hot water, which can crack the glass
* Take some food and a hot drink with you if you are
going on a long journey
* Try to maintain a constant speed on slippery surfaces
and avoid harsh braking and acceleration
* Remember stopping distances are 10 times longer
in icy or snowy conditions
* Only drive through water if you know that it is
not too deep for your car and drive slowly
* In snow, stop frequently to clean the windscreen,
lights and number plates
* Reduce your speed
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