Most Brits Don’t Know Emergency Numbers in Europe

A worrying new survey has revealed that most British people don’t know the correct emergency number when going abroad. Emergency situations can happen to anybody regardless of the situation, and it’s important to be able to get the help you need by ringing the correct emergency number for the country that you are in. However, it’s estimated that 60% of British people don’t actually know what the number to call is during an emergency

Low Numbers

It is thought that just 38% of those who participated in the survey know that in the event of encountering an emergency situation in the European Union, they should call 112.

The remaining 60% is scattered in their responses. 32% did not know what number to call in Europe, 12% thought they should use 999, the UK emergency number, and 11% thought the answer would be 111, which is the non-emergency line for the NHS.

Cause for Concern

The lack of knowledge present has disturbed many. Rod Dennis, spokesperson for RAC Europe, has the following to offer on the subject:

“Before drivers venture to the continent for their holidays this summer, it’s important they make sure they are displaying the UK identifier on the back of their vehicles, whether that’s on their car’s number plate or a sticker. They should also know the right number to ring if they need to call out the emergency services while they’re away.

The 112 number is the pan-European equivalent of 999 and can be used pretty much anywhere throughout Europe for emergencies, including the UK. Every second counts in the event of a dangerous collision, so getting through to the emergency services first time round could quite literally be the difference between life and death.

It’s also really important to display the right letters on the back of the car, as some countries’ authorities can impose hefty penalties for driving without one. Any outdated GB lettering must be removed or covered up with a UK sticker instead. A UK sticker only costs a few pounds online which is a small price to pay to avoid a hefty fine.

Anyone taking their car from the UK to Europe this year should research the differing traffic laws in the countries they plan to drive in to understand the correct equipment they need to carry. The news and advice section of the RAC website contains guides for driving through every country in Europe, including France which most UK drivers will pass through if heading to the continent on holiday.”

Prior Planning Key

It should be obvious that prior planning is key to success. Motorists should be careful to plan ahead and identify the key contact information for emergency services prior to travel in other countries.

Accidents can happen to the most well-prepared travellers - being ready for a crisis situation makes all the difference. A disturbing number of people don’t know the correct numbers and this makes many trips fundamentally unsafe.