With just days to go until Euro 2016 kicks off, the mass exodus of happy Irish football 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, part of Enterprise Holdings – the world’s largest car rental company – found that over 1 in 5 (21%) Irish holidaymakers 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 Enterprise Rent-A-Car 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
- 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,” Mr 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 from Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Keep an eye on your speedometer – be aware of speed limits, particularly in urban and built up areas, and stick to them.
- 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.
- Beware – using the speed camera detector on your sat-nav is against the law
- Do not use your horn in built-up areas.
- And of course, never drink and drive – the drink-drive limit in France is one of the lowest in Europe
- 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
