Driving away: renting abroad involves numerous pitfalls, but with a little research and a few simple precautions you are more likely to have an enjoyable, hassle-free experience.(CAR RENTAL)

As many of us drive every day of the week, we don't think we need to take precautions when renting a car abroad. Recent research by National Car Rental showed that 41 per cent of travellers planning to travel abroad in a rental car did not check the during regulations of countries they were visiting. Not surprisingly, it also found that 26 per cent experienced a near-miss when driving abroad.

As a result of this research, National has launched Drive Safe, an international online road-safety initiative which helps to prepare travellers for the challenges of motoring in the countries they are visiting. The initiative is based on a website, www.nationaldrivesafe.com, where …