Italians 'worst drivers in Europe'

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British travellers think that Italians drivers are the worst in Europe, with the French hot on their heels, according to a survey.

Travel firm TripAdvisor polled 819 Brits, with more than 30% saying that the biggest challenge of motoring abroad was coping with the locals' driving style.

Some 14% admitted they never brushed up on local driving regulations, while 35% said they were nervous about driving abroad.

The firm also found that 45% had got lost after misreading a map, and 38% had argued with their partner while at the wheel.

Some 11% of those questioned admitted losing their temper with other drivers while on foreign roads.

While Italian and French drivers were considered the worst and second-worst in Europe, the Greeks were voted third worst, followed by motorists in Turkey, Spain and Portugal. British drivers polled as seventh-worst.

TripAdvisor spokesman Luke Fredberg said: "Hitting the open road can be one of the most rewarding and cost-effective ways of exploring a new destination, but some travellers find the notion of a relaxing road trip vanishes as soon as they encounter unfamiliar driving laws and styles."

Copyright © Press Association 2009

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