LEFT HAND DRIVE IN THE UK
Left hand driving in the the UK, no this is not driving on the left side for the first time after years of being on the right side.
This is using a left hand drive vehicle on the British Roads, this gives a completely new aspect to viewpoints in driving.
There is a lot of concentration and observation required, so keep a close eye on door mirrors and monitor to where you are sitting on the carriageway. It is so easy to drift to the middle of the road as you have been used to driving left of the centre line.
One of the biggest dangers with a left hand drive is when overtaking, you must leave plenty of room from vehicles in front before you attempt to pull out… front seat passengers can help in your judgements.
One of the biggest problems is turning left as your view from the right is obscured, a major problem is changing gear with the right hand, it’s just not used to doing things like this when driving.
During early days while parked on side of road just practice gear changing as much as possible, a real word of warning don’t change gear as you meet on coming traffic, because if you miss a gear you could steer off course into their lane…
In 1969 a research team found out countries who drive on the left had a lower accident rate.
When holding back to give way to on coming traffic in built up areas, leave plenty of space in order to move out, returning back to the left side quickly and safely, extras mirrors on the right side are really useful.
DYING FOR A CALL
Just a very important reminder… don’t forget drivers who are caught driving a car while using a hand held mobile are likely to be stopped and charged, this will result in a £1000 pound fine for car drivers, this will raise to £2,500 for goods vehicle and coach/bus drivers, plus 3 penalty points on the licence.
Don’t forget also switch off the engine if you do stop and talk on the phone while sitting in the vehicle.
While travelling around the countryside on a daily basis there seem to be more and more drivers, holding a phone near their ear and driving… use your hands free!
