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Driving in the United Kingdom. Tips on basics. (These tips do not represent driving rules but are the anectdotal observations of a driver in Britain.)
Britains drive on the left - one of the few countries in Europe to do so. Renting a car is daunting to visitors to Britain
but with the help of a few basic tips you will sail through, I mean drive through, unscathed.
- Cars in Britain are predominantly manual. Don't complicate things for yourself -
if you are familiar with Automatics choose an Automatic.
- Your car is fully equipped for driving on the left. Take time to familiarise and
get used to the controls before taking off.
- You are required to drive with dipped headlights from dusk to dawn. Ditto when the rain
is heavy enough (which it is often) to create road spray.
- If you are picking up your car when you land at the airport don't accept those free drinks on the plane.
Drink/drive laws are rigorously applied when tested at the scene of an accident or any road incident.
- Always give way to traffic on the right at roundabouts.
- Speed restrictions are advised in M.P.H. and not K.P.H.
Unless otherwise advised, motorway limits are 70 mph, Dual-Carraigeways 60 mph and built up areas 30 mph.
- Motorway lane etiquette - keep to the left hand lane unless overtaking. Hogging the center lane
will incur the wrathe of other users. (Two fingers held up in the shape of a 'V' means victory
unless the back of the hand is facing your adversary)
- Only overtake on the right, never on the left.
- Junction traffic lights have to be obeyed. Be prepared and always stop when lights turn from
green through amber to red.
- Pedestrian crossings (zebras) are marked on the road with alternate white stripes. Pedestrians take precedence over vehicles at crossings.
Wait for the green light before proceeding. Strictly it's o.k. to move when the amber light is flashing but take care - some pedestrians push the envelope and
take delight in stepping across at the last moment.
- If you are walking, stay off the highway. If you have to cross away from a zebra crossing, be vigilant, look both ways and be swift. There is no tolerance for pedestrians
and British drivers find it difficult to understand the attitude of some visitor pedestrians to road safety and discipline .
- Look out for lollypop persons at school approaches. School environs are usually marked with reduced speed limits and often a flashing roadside light will warn of school children movement in or out. Always stop when advised by a lollypop person.
- Be safe and invest in a document titled 'The Highway Code' sold at most good bookshops.
Move on to Driving in the United Kingdom - tips on parking in Britain.
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