Driving on the opposite side of the road to normal
 

I have just been reading an article in tonight's paper which says that in the last 6 weeks on three different occassions, three tourists have admitted causing six deaths by driving on the incorrect side of the road.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4357428a12855.html

This is why we never chose to drive on our trip to the US a few months ago.

Actually, only the first accident seems to be caused by "wrong" side driving.

The Austrian "flipped" and the Japanese driver shouldn't have any "wrong side" issue.

It's something I've done a far bit of in NZ and Australia, but I've never felt comfortable and I thank my lucky stars I've avoided injuring anyone or damaging my vehicle.

The Great Ocean Road has signs every 40-50ks. reminding International motorists that we drive on the left in Australia. A very good idea. Having driven many ks. in Europe, I have yet to see a sign reminding me which side to drive on. Incidentally the general signage on the GOR is about the best I have seen. The Italians could certainly learn a thing or two!

Scotland has signs everywhere on its narrow roads and when entering minor roads from country lanes. Actually most of Scottish roads are one width lanes. but at least they sing them well for the Continentals and others who do not know that Napoleon lost!

In Adelaide last week two tourists accidentally drove their 4WD onto the specialised bus o-bahn track. I don't think anyone was hurt, but the car wasn't in the best shape after getting stuck on the tracks.

Yes, Downunder, have to admit driving in Naples was a bit of challenge, where stopping at a red light is optional to say the least. But we still managed about 17,000kms of Europe without incident. And quite a few kms in US.

Some are just bad drivers, accidents happen regardless of what side of the road one is used to; I live in a highly touristed area in Australia and tourists are readily identifiable by a rental car sign on vehicle, you just know to give them a bit of a berth.

I drove 1200 miles in NZ, and I still think of all the times I almost caused an accident just by a one second lapse in attention. I said a blessing when I turned it in. ((*))

Yes Jed that's all it takes, just one moment's inattention or as my husband says if something unexpexted happens your natural instinct is to revert back to your normal driving style.

The best tip I ever heard was that wherever in the world you are driving "always keep your passenger in the gutter"!

Excellent advice!

Hi,

I'm always the one who's the driver when my husband and I travel and I've never had a problem...except maybe embarassment. I don't have any problem DRIVING...just STOPPING.

When we stop, or are going out to the car to throw the bags in to head off for the day, and I invariably go to the "wrong" side -I just forget for a moment.

I usually glance around to see if anyone's watching, and if they are, I "pretend" that I actually MEANT to go to the passenger side to get something, or put something into the back seat. :) ("what? Oh nooo, I really MEANT to go to that side of the car!").

Why I should even bother with that is interesting, because I'll never see those people again anyway!

Totally agree with Downunder, as I've been lost in Italy a bunch of times, where the signage is non-existent compared to Oz or NZ.

I've actually managed to find Pat Woolford's place, at night, from Port Douglas, and even more impressive, found my way BACK to Port Douglas, after dinner & cocktails with her! :)

Regards,

Melodie