USA driver driving in England
Aug 9th, 2013, 11:39 AM
#21
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<<if it's any comfort to you, we found driving in the US a real trial too!>>
I'll agree. Especially in traffic where your learned instinct tries to take over. This was the same for me when I noticed rather large trucks bearing down on me and they were on or over the centerline. My instinct said "give him some room" and I did. We do have narrow roads here in the US but most (if not all) have nice wide gravel verges.
I must admit, however, that part of the problem was the auto. It had a sloping front "bonnet" and I couldn't see either front fender. As a result, I had a hard time judging where I was on the road.
I'll agree. Especially in traffic where your learned instinct tries to take over. This was the same for me when I noticed rather large trucks bearing down on me and they were on or over the centerline. My instinct said "give him some room" and I did. We do have narrow roads here in the US but most (if not all) have nice wide gravel verges.
I must admit, however, that part of the problem was the auto. It had a sloping front "bonnet" and I couldn't see either front fender. As a result, I had a hard time judging where I was on the road.
Aug 10th, 2013, 04:50 AM
#24
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I am a Canadian and have driven in England and Scotland. Loved it! And as a driver, why complain about parking half onto the sidewalk? It simply gives you more road room! Sorry you had such a horrible time... myself, I can't wait till my next opportunity to drive on the 'wrong side'! ;^)
Aug 11th, 2013, 01:15 PM
#26
I am new here and that i would love to participate this forum. I hope you to share my ideas! I hope i purchase sensible response>>
Hi Luispaul - welcome from me too.
we all hope for sensible responses and may even receive them from time to time!
til then...
Oldguy - On my journey into work on Friday, [20 mins give or take to do 7 miles or so] I counted how many times the road narrowed so much that two cars could not pass comfortably at the same time, and it came to 3, but that was keeping to the main road. If I go the "back way" to work, it's another 4. one a mile in fact. so you definitely have a point about narrow roads.
however we just spent the weekend driving to London and back, and the traffic seemed to us to be horrendous. so what we lose in the narrowness of our roads we win in the amount of traffic on them!
Hi Luispaul - welcome from me too.
we all hope for sensible responses and may even receive them from time to time!
til then...
Oldguy - On my journey into work on Friday, [20 mins give or take to do 7 miles or so] I counted how many times the road narrowed so much that two cars could not pass comfortably at the same time, and it came to 3, but that was keeping to the main road. If I go the "back way" to work, it's another 4. one a mile in fact. so you definitely have a point about narrow roads.
however we just spent the weekend driving to London and back, and the traffic seemed to us to be horrendous. so what we lose in the narrowness of our roads we win in the amount of traffic on them!
Aug 11th, 2013, 01:20 PM
#27
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Quite a few people scolded me about not being willing to drive in the UK but after being in London and all over Scotland I am glad I made that decision. We had two different drivers/guides and they were wonderful, but not the flexibility I'd have if we had driven. Friends just returned from Scotland and had a terrible time around Edinburgh and really considered turning in the car.
Some people can manage it but I did not want or need the stress of trying.
Some people can manage it but I did not want or need the stress of trying.
Aug 11th, 2013, 11:31 PM
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I'm used to driving in the UK, particularly London, as well as Germany (I lived in Munich for 15 years). But I've found driving in the US confusing - in California and Georgia. As much as anything it's getting used to how roads are laid out, and the signage. In Europe things seem to have a greater similarity. In the US it seems very different to the European experience, which is what makes driving more difficult, not the left-hand vs right-hand experience.
Aug 12th, 2013, 05:13 AM
#30
But I've found driving in the US confusing - in California and Georgia. As much as anything it's getting used to how roads are laid out, and the signage>>
Miami was the worst for us - no signs to towns or areas, just road numbers.
what use is that to people from out of town?
At least in Europe, if you've got a map, you can look for where the road you are looking for might end up - Rome for example, or Paris. then even if you're not going that far, you know that you're going in the right direction.
Miami was the worst for us - no signs to towns or areas, just road numbers.
what use is that to people from out of town?
At least in Europe, if you've got a map, you can look for where the road you are looking for might end up - Rome for example, or Paris. then even if you're not going that far, you know that you're going in the right direction.
