If you’re planning to jet off on your holiday travels this year, the notion of paying for a hire car has probably already entered your mind – especially if you’re used to hiring a car. The advantages of hiring a car are almost too many to list. For a start, your hire car will be waiting for you at the airport. This means no waiting around for delayed transfers (which often consist of cramped coaches with little or no air conditioning), and no standing in a queue for a taxi before struggling – in broken Italian – to convince the driver of your hotel’s address. Then there’s the freedom to roam and the option to buy things that would be too heavy or cumbersome to bring back to your hotel on public transport.
First, a word of caution. If you do run into legal issues – especially relating to personal injury – while driving abroad, you may not know where to turn. Carry the number of a firm of lawyers. This will ensure that you have fast answers when you need them.
Avoiding physical distractions
Physical distractions include things like text messages and phone calls (being plagued by constant contact from home whilst traveling is a common theme – people simply want to know what you’re up to and what you’ve seen, etc.). This also includes paying too close attention to the sat nav or GPS system, which we all do when traveling on unfamiliar roads.
Avoiding mental distractions
There’s a lot to take in in new places. From memorizing the layout of the area so that you can find your way back to the hotel on foot, to new faces, new money, new funny looking street lights … everything is new. This can mean racing thoughts and a side-tracked mind that is trying to mull over all of the stimuli at once. Try to remain focused while driving
Avoiding audio distractions
Your ears are a major source of distraction whilst driving. From the noises of the car engines to the sounds outside the vehicle to the music coming through the car radio speakers. All of these things can distract your attention from the road ahead. That’s why you should keep your windows closed, keep the radio to a low volume, and try not to listen to your favorite songs that may make your mind wander. Remember, driving is a means of arriving at a destination safely, not a time for entertainment.
