With just days to go until Euro 2016 kicks off, the mass exodus of happy Irish soccer fans has begun in earnest. And it appears that most supporters are taking to the autoroutes of France to support the boys in green.
Research carried out by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, found that over 1 in 5 (21% ) Irish holiday- makers who plan to drive abroad this summer are heading to France. In fact, almost a quarter (23% ) of Irish people travelling to France this summer are going for the sole reason of supporting Ireland in Euro 2016.
Planes, trains… and automobiles
The survey also revealed that almost three quarters (72% ) of survey respondents who are planning to travel abroad this summer are planning to rent a car while 28% of those surveyed are planning to go by ferry and bring their own vehicle.
For those travelling to Euro 2016: 47% will rent a car; 33% will bring their own vehicle; 33% will be flying to France; 19% will be taking the ferry to France; 3% are bringing their own camper van; 7% will be taking the train/ Eurostar; and 3% will rent a camper van.
Who’s taking the car?
64% of those driving abroad will be sharing the driving with their companions. Of this group, females (71% ) are more likely to share the driving whilst abroad than males (57% ) while 36% of those will not be sharing the driving.
For a quarter of those surveyed, it will be their first ever time driving abroad. Of the 76% who have driven abroad before, the proportion of males (85% ) is higher than females (68% ).
Two in five (41% ) of those surveyed who are specifically planning to follow the Irish team in France are aged 25 to 34 years of age.
In case of an accident in France – know your numbers
Irish drivers are aware of basic rules for driving in France but the Enterprise research uncovered some confusion about what to do in an emergency. Over three-quarters of those surveyed who plan to drive in France this summer do not know the number of the emergency services, while almost half (42% ) incorrectly think it is 101 as opposed to the correct number which is 112 – the pan-European emergency services number.
Furthermore, 38% are unaware that it is illegal to speak on a hands-free kit while driving, and a further 39% do not know that it is illegal to drive while wearing headphones.
Other ways in which Irish football fans may fall foul of French driving rules include:
- 55% are not aware that it is illegal to honk the car horn in a French city except in case of an
imminent collision
- 57% do not know that you are required by law to carry an unused breathalyser in the vehicle
at all times
- 18% do not know that you are required by law to carry a high-visibility vest in the vehicle
Anyone ignoring these rules could find themselves facing on-the-spot fines.
Do your homework
For football fans there’s nothing as exciting as getting ready for a big tournament and we all hope this is going to be a summer to remember,” says George O’Connor, managing director, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland.
“Our survey shows that Euro 2016 will mark the first time many Irish supporters will be driving abroad, and I would urge anyone heading to France to do their homework and be prepared before hitting the autoroutes. This includes filling up the tank at the earliest opportunity – with fuel shortages reported throughout the country, I urge motorists to plan ahead and fuel up before setting off.”
“Anyone renting a car will have peace of mind that the local rental company provides necessary equipment such as a safety triangle and high-vis vest,” O’Connor continued.
“However, if you are taking your own car then you must ensure you are fully equipped to the legal requirement. Drive safely, and here’s to a brilliant Euro 2016!”
Six French driving tips
1. Keep an eye on your speedometer – be aware of speed limits, particularly in urban and built
up areas, and stick to them.
2. Look out for ‘priorité à droit’ – where you see this sign (an X ) you must give way to traffic
coming from the right, even if you are on the main road.
3. Beware – using the speed camera detector on your sat-nav is against the law
4. Do not use your horn in built-up areas.
5. And of course, never drink and drive – the drink-drive limit in France is one of the lowest in
Europe
6. Fill up the tank – due to the recent fuel shortage in France caused by strikes at refineries
and depots, drivers should avail of filling up at the earliest opportunity.
