Drive Safe provides a useful tool for anyone driving in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the USA and Canada.  It has been uniquely designed for car rental users – after all it is very different driving a rental car in a foreign destination than your own vehicle.

With the continued expansion of the National Car Rental global network, Drive Safe offers customers useful information to help them drive safely wherever they rent a car.
Drive Safe provides guidelines sourced locally on city driving, country driving, road rules and road safety initiatives within each country. There is also information on driving regulations and requirements, essential local knowledge and advice on motoring laws such as speed limits on motorways, alcohol limits and road tolls. A summary of driving terms, hints and tips for hiring a car plus a summary of National Car Rental’s presence in each country means travellers will be able to drive with confidence.

Hints and Tips for Renting a Car:

Renters must present the following when picking up their car – passport, return airline tickets and driver's licence

• Make sure you hire a car with enough room for your luggage and the number of people travelling
• Think about the time of year you are travelling and whether you need air conditioning
• Consider the optional extras you may need to reserve such as child seats – these are subject to availability in all countries apart from North America where they are guarantee
• Each additional driver will be subject to a fee (unless the charge is included in the rate code)
• Each car rental is covered by 24 hour roadside assistance
• You will receive your car with a full tank of fuel. If not already included in your rate package, payment for this tank will be required at the time of rental, thus meaning you can return the car empty
• Your rental will include basic insurances.  The rental agent should explain these insurances to you when you pick up the vehicle
• Consider taking extra insurance cover to reduce the excess if you do have an accident

 
Once you have been handed the keys to the car

• Know your route! - Before leaving the rental counter, ask for specific directions to your destination, including applicable motorway entrances and exits
• Lock up! - Keep your car doors locked and the windows up when driving or when parked
• No free rides! - No matter how innocent or needy they may appear, hitchhikers can mean bad news. Avoid them
• Know your car! - Familiarise yourself with your car's safety equipment, such as headlights and hazard lights, door locks, and spare tyre, before leaving the rental location. Always fasten your seat belts
• Hide your valuables! - Lock purses, wallets, luggage, and valuables in the boot or glove compartment
• See the light! - Should you become lost, do not pull over on the side of the road to study your map or directions. Instead, drive to the nearest well lit, populated, public place such as a service station or restaurant. And be sure to lock your car and take the keys with you
• Ready, check, go! - Always park in well lit areas and make sure you have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle
• Make the call! - In the rare event you feel you are being followed, proceed to a well lit populated area and call the police