YOUR MONEY By Naomi Caine

Motorists who are planning to take their car on to foreign roads this summer should familiarise themselves with local driving laws and check their insurance and breakdown cover before they travel.

More than four million people intend to take their car to the continent over the holidays, according to research by insurer Sheilas' Wheels. But they don't always carry out proper safety checks, putting not only their pockets, but also their lives, at risk.

Tourists are three times more likely to be involved in a road accident than local drivers, according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Figures show that road death rates in many popular holiday destinations are significantly higher than in the UK, with alcohol often a contributory factor. For example, you are almost twice as likely to die on the road in Spain than in the UK, almost three times as likely in Greece and more than twice as likely in the United States.

France is the most popular destination for British motorists, followed by Ireland and Germany. Pamela Deegan, British vice-consul in Lille, France, says: "Around half of the hospitalisations and deaths we dealt with last year were related to road accidents. Many of the accidents we deal with are caused by driver fatigue, drink-driving, speeding and driving on the wrong side of the road. We have also been called to assist in cases where drivers have run into trouble as a result of not being familiar with local driving laws. I would urge those planning to drive abroad this summer to prepare carefully before leaving the UK."

In Spain, for example, drivers must carry a spare wheel, a spare fan belt and a full set of spare bulbs. In addition, you could be charged an on-the-spot fine if you do not carry two red warning triangles to put in front of and behind your car if you have an accident or breakdown. And if you use any radar detecting device in France, your car and the device could be seized and you could be fined, even if the detector is switched off.

Motorists should also make sure they adjust their headlamps if they are driving on the right-hand side of the road, so they don't dazzle other drivers. A GB sticker is also often compulsory abroad.

If you are involved in an accident while you are away, don't assume you are covered by your UK insurance policy. Most insurers will extend your policy to cover foreign driving, but you usually have to pay an additional premium, and you almost always have to let the company know before you travel. If not, your comprehensive policy is likely to shrink to cover only third party, fire and theft. Motorists who have a Green Card with their insurance should also be aware that it certifies only the minimum cover necessary to drive abroad.

Jacky Brown at Sheilas' Wheels says: "When planning to take a car to Europe or beyond, it is crucial for motorists to call their insurer and tell them that they want to extend their level of cover for driving abroad.

"It is also vital that motorists understand the basic rules and regulations for driving on foreign roads and be fully prepared by planning their journeys, carrying the essential equipment and giving their car a maintenance check before setting off."

Don't forget breakdown cover, which can be a lifeline if you get stuck on a foreign road. The big-name organisations such as the AA, RAC, Europ Assistance and Green Flag all offer overseas cover, usually at a discount to existing members.

Many European breakdown policies, such as those offered by the AA and Direct Line, insure the car rather than the individual, so all drivers are covered. But read the small print carefully, as others protect only one named driver.

You can buy very basic cover for less than £50, but check what's included in the policy. It's also worth noting that some firms impose a time limit as well as a financial limit on any roadside assistance.

Find out about motoring abroad, including local laws, at the website of the FCO (www.fco.gov.uk), or by calling its Travel Advice line on 0845 850 2829. The AA also has lots of tips and other useful information on its website at www.theaa.com.