Foreign travel: Certain nations raise concerns for German vacationers
In a recent survey conducted by AutoScout24 in partnership with market research institute Innofact, over 2,000 car owners in Germany shared their concerns about driving abroad. The survey, involving individuals aged between 18 and 65, aimed to shed light on the common challenges faced by German drivers when venturing into foreign territories.
The results revealed that nearly half of the participants (47%) cited local regulations as their primary concern when driving abroad. This was followed by the fear of theft or damage to their own car, with around 29% of participants expressing such apprehensions.
One of the most insecure countries for German drivers turned out to be the United Kingdom, with 40% of participants feeling uneasy. Interestingly, women and people over 40 were more likely to express this discomfort. Another 24% found the driving behavior of locals unpredictable or aggressive in foreign countries.
Turkey was another country where many German drivers felt uncomfortable, with 25% of those surveyed expressing discomfort. Among men and younger drivers, the proportion of those feeling uncomfortable in Turkey was even higher.
The survey results also highlighted three countries where the majority of German drivers feel uncomfortable: Greece, France, and Turkey. These countries are particularly controversial due to issues such as lack of coordination in road regulations (Greece), risks of traffic accidents (France), and challenging driving conditions like loss of vehicle control leading to accidents (Turkey).
To mitigate these concerns, the survey advised several precautions. Checking the insurance policy before travel is advised to clarify what is covered abroad. A vehicle check before departure is recommended, including tire pressure, oil level, brakes, lighting, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
Planning the route before travel can help avoid fines and unexpected costs, including toll fees, vignette requirements, and deviating rules. Additionally, the survey emphasised the importance of being equipped with a warning triangle, first aid kit, and warning vest, as these are mandatory equipment in many countries.
For extra safety, additional theft insurance can be taken out. It's also worth noting that places like Spain, Croatia, and Denmark are much less daunting for German drivers, with only around 2% feeling uncomfortable behind the wheel there.
Our website, a German-language service and news portal, aims to inform readers about living and working abroad, providing valuable resources for those planning to venture into unfamiliar territories. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first overseas journey, we hope this survey provides useful insights to ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
