Head out on the highway with Alamo this summer

Summer is almost here and as the anticipation builds for that longed for week or two away, holiday car rental company Alamo Rent A Car, is offering travellers its top tips for keeping safe when renting and driving a car abroad, this summer:

Alamo’s 10 steps to safe and happy driving

Know your car! Familiarise yourself with your rental car's safety equipment, such as headlights and hazard lights, door locks, and spare tyre, before leaving the rental location and ensure you know the number for road side assistance. Always fasten your seat belts.

Lost highway! Before you leave the car rental office, ask for specific directions to your destination, including applicable motorway entrances and exit numbers

Roll'em up! Keep your car doors locked when driving or when parked. Always be cautious when windows are open and remember to close them once you have parked.

Keep doors locked! Travellers should never leave a vehicle unlocked, even if it’s only for a moment, that’s all criminals need

Keep them secret, keep them safe! Lock purses, wallets, luggage, and valuables in the boot or glove compartment

No free rides! No matter how innocent or needy they may appear, hitchhikers can mean bad news. Avoid them.

Stay focused! If another motorist is yelling, honking, flashing headlights and pointing at the car as if there is something wrong, stop at the next public, well-lit area such as a service station and call the police

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. Lock your doors immediately upon entering

Make the call! In the rare event you feel you are being followed, proceed to a well-lit populated area and call the police.

Dawn Clayton, Marketing Manager of Alamo Rent A Car comments, “We all like to let our hair down when we’re on holiday, but at Alamo we are committed to helping customers have fun as safely as possible and enjoy the comfort of one of our cars knowing it’s the start of a holiday to remember – for all the right reasons!”