Things to know before driving in Europe Published Jan. 30, 2015 By Senior Airman Christine Griffiths 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Being stationed in England brings many benefits, one of those being plenty of travel opportunities. While some flights can be found reasonably cheaply, it may be easier to drive around Europe. Driving also allows travelers to set a schedule, have the time to travel, and see things along the way that aren't easy to see taking a train or plane. However, before making the drive, ensure the vehicle being driven is in a good state of repair. Drivers should have a roadside assistance scheme and research any necessary items which might be a legal requirement in the country they're traveling to. Making sure the vehicle is roadworthy is the most paramount thing for a road trip in Europe. "Make sure all your fluid levels are full and your tires are legal," said Police Constable Paul Glover, Ministry of Defence, defence community police officer from Belfast, Ireland. "Be strict on tires and headlamps and make sure everything is workable and clean." Glover explained it's a legal requirement to have a spare tire with plenty of tread on it, and stressed the importance of doing overall vehicle maintenance before making the drive throughout Europe. Travel safety kits are also a requirement from country to country. Below is a basic list of items which should be kept in a vehicle at all times. Mandatory travel kit items according to http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/guides/driving: · First Aid kit · High-visibility vest/jackets (per person in the vehicle) · Warning triangles · Two (minimum) approved breathalyzers · License plate needs to be labeled 'GB', or have white 'GB' sticker on rear of vehicle · Spare bulbs (to replace blown out bulbs) · Headlights converted · Copy of V5 · Copy of vehicle insurance · International driver's license (verify requirements for specific countries.) · Passport If any general items are forgotten, such as first aid kit or warning triangles, most can be purchased at ferry and Chunnel ports prior to departure. "Carry in France what you would carry here in England," Glover said. "Ideally you should have those articles in your car in the U.K. anyway, although most of the additional items aren't legally required. However, bear in mind that if you get caught without them in Europe, you'll be fined on the spot." Recommended items to take with you: · Tow rope · Fire extinguisher · Cold-weather gear · Blanket · Mobile phone · Emergency contact numbers · Prescription for medications Tips for refueling: · Fill up before leaving the U.K. · Avoid filling up on motorways · Fill up at supermarkets "Be aware it's illegal to carry gas cans in your vehicle in most European countries," said Master Sgt. Dominic Cilia, 100th Air Refueling Wing Ground Safety Office superintendent from Brooklyn, New York. "It's also unwise to stock up on base with fuel cans prior to traveling anywhere, as escaping vapors from the fuel can make it extremely hazardous, creating both an explosive atmosphere and a chemical inhalant hazard to all passengers in the vehicle." Tips for pet travel: The following are legally required before bringing a pet into U.K. and the rest of Europe. Therefore, consider not taking family pets on a European vacation unless all the requirements below are fully met: · Pet passport · Pets are microchipped · Rabies vaccinations · Blood test at least 30 days after rabies vaccination · Tapeworm treatment (dogs) · Official veterinary certificate Doing research beforehand may save time and money. "It's best to check what toll roads there are before you go, and make sure you have the correct change and currency required. Some toll roads take credit cards, but it's wisest to check first," said Glover. "On the ferries, you can get some really good deals. I've been to France before on a £15 return in a car with four people, and I got free breakfast and half-priced meals." The MOD policeman added that, it's best to confirm the ferries are sailing at the scheduled time that way drivers know in advance whether or not they need to reschedule. If time is a critical factor while driving to Europe, taking the Chunnel may be the best route of action. It's more expensive than the ferry, but the journey is much quicker. Travelers should also be mindful of any limitations for bringing back certain items to the U.K. "You're restricted to what you bring back into the country because you're non-European Union citizens," said Police Constable Lawrie O'Brien, MOD Police, defence community police officer. "Along with keeping up with your situational awareness and making sure you're not advertising yourself as an American, be aware of your surroundings," said Glover. "Illegal citizens may try to get into vehicles and mobile homes prior to getting on the ferry or Chunnel." Driving in Europe vs. U.K · Speed and distance is measure in kilometers, rather than mph · Drive on the right-hand side of the road · Although roundabouts work the same, remember to drive the opposite way · Different speeds based on the weather · On-the-spot fines · Drinking and driving limit varies depending on the country - be sure to check online for specifics. · Watch for pedestrians; they like to walk out even when traffic is coming. · Exit turns are sharp · Watch for signal indicators off before pulling out onto the road Whether taking the Chunnel or travelling by ferry to Europe, travelers should have a plan, be prepared for differences in driving, know what to keep in vehicles if and need be, prepare pets for travel.