|
Successfully adapting road procedures to suit driving on the opposite site of the road is probably the biggest single worry for UK drivers who plan to drive in Europe, the United States or Canada.
European, American and Canadian drivers no doubt have the same anxiety about driving on the left side of the road. In either case successful navigation of each country’s road system will be achieved with some planning and plenty of careful concentration, especially after filling up with fuel or making a rest stop!
Warning Signals
Using the horn for giving a warning of presence is far more common in Europe and elsewhere abroad than in the UK.
Flashing your headlamps abroad means what it’s supposed to mean over here, that’s the same as the horn. Treat all headlight flashes as a warning, not an invitation. You can be sure that the law will be on the side of the native driver!
Driving a UK right-hand drive car in Europe
The main concerns are:
1. Overtaking on single carriageway roads. You’ll not be able to see as far ahead as normal. To maximise your view, keep further back from the first vehicle you intend to overtake and make sure you know how any following vehicles are responding by using your mirrors frequently, including the one on your left.
2. Turning left from a main road into a side road. There could be oncoming traffic which will have priority.
If you’re visiting the UK and you’re not used to driving on the left this advice has to be adapted to overtaking here and crossing approaching traffic when turning right into a side road. Our Highway Code provides advice on UK driving procedures.
Fly Drive
Travelling to a foreign destination by air, then hiring a car puts you behind the steering wheel on the correct side of the car for the country you are driving in. You will need to acclimatise to driving an unfamiliar car. The gear box will still be in the same position, but it will seem strange to use the other hand to change gear!
Maintenance
Whether you `Fly Drive” or take your own vehicle abroad, make sure you’re happy that it will be reliable. Checking engine fluid levels and tyre condition are a must for any long journeys; if it’s your own car be sure to have a “Main Dealer” emergency spares kit and an overseas vehicle breakdown contact phone number; if it’s hired, be sure that the agent has advised you of the relevant procedures.
Using a Manual Gear Box in Britain
If you’re visiting the UK and are worried about changing from an automatic to a manual gear change, consider some tuition on the best ways to use it before collecting your hire car.
A Picture speaks a Thousand Words
Motorists are confronted with so many identical problems in all countries. The use of similar pictures on traffic signs, rather than words means that language need be no barrier to a full understanding of what lies ahead! Standard symbols are used on traffic signs as much as possible to give us an early clear message of what to do, not do, or expect ahead.
Traffic light signals controlling junctions do vary internationally. In many countries a continuously flashing amber light is used to mean that you may proceed if clear, but you must give way to both other cars and pedestrians. In many American States you may turn right against a red light if your way is clear.
Pedestrian crossing systems abroad blend in with the background and offer less protection and priority to pedestrians than the various types in the UK. This is not however, an excuse to ignore people using them!
Road markings assist drivers make the safest and best use of the road space. While the more paint used, the more important the message, there are many roads abroad where surfaces are poorly maintained and traffic priorities may not always be clear.
Measurement Conversions
Britain is officially a metric country so we no longer need to worry about fuel conversions from litres to gallons when travelling abroad. Distance measurements in the UK are still provided in miles and so when faced with kilometres on the continent you may wish to convert them into miles. One kilometre is the equivalent of 0.621 of a mile. A rough and ready method of approximate conversion is to use the “Six Rule”, that is, multiply the number of kilometres by 6 and put the decimal point in before the last figure.
Beware of Different Laws and Regulations!
Each country’s motoring laws, regulations and advice is subject to constant review, change and differing interpretations. Each of these varies from country to country and from State to State in America.
1. On mainland Europe you will not be permitted to drive if you are under 18 even if you’ve passed your driving test here, also newly qualified drivers will find hiring a car difficult, if not impossible.
2. Motoring law enforcement abroad can be more severe than in the UK. Very large on-the-spot fines are imposed in some countries, so make particularly sure that you comply with sign posted speed limits and that everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt, etc, etc. It’s perhaps worth noting that in most America States alcoholic drink may only be carried in the car’s boot and not with the driver or passengers.
3. Parking can be virtually impossible in big cities. Don’t risk your car being towed away, check signs carefully and seek local advice if you’re unsure.
4. If you are involved in a crash involving damage, it is worth calling the police. If anybody is hurt you must call them
|
