STAY SAFE: LEFT SIDE DRIVING

Driving on the opposite side of the road is very intimidating to begin with, these are stories very often heard coming from our American friends on their very first drives here in the UK.
But everyone wants to give it a go, and now with many who have covered many thousands of miles have found it enjoyable and much much easier…
One of the major steps before driving in the UK, is to decide what car you feel comfortable with, many find it cheaper to buy UK spec vehicles and not bring their left hand drive into the UK.
So do you go for a manual gear shift or the automatic. for some drivers the thought of shifting with their left hand and staying on the left side of road can really just be too much to handle. So an Automatic would be the best option.
Many drivers opt for car rental.where a manual shift may be cheaper and wallet friendly.
If you decide to visit London make use of public transport and watch surcharges.
Most car rental firms offer a Collision Damage Waiver which covers any and all damage that could happen to your vehicle whether or not it is your fault.
Many state side car insurance companies do not cover rental outside the United States.

Be very careful if insurance is offered by credit companies if there is an accident to your vehicle or someone else’s you may be charged to your credit card until the claim is settled.

If you do decide to car rent make sure you get to know the vehicle, take a few minutes to familiarize with all controls, and if you are not sure of something please ask, it could be a lifesaver.

YOU are now on the road, staying on the left is easy, but of course you are sitting on the opposite side of the car but you have a lot to remember, when at a intersection (junction in UK terms) don’t forget you must yield to traffic from the right (that means give way).

When turning right from a major road into a minor road, you must yield to the on coming traffic as you will be crossing their path.

Speed limit signs are marked in tens not fives as are in the States, they are circular and not marked North/South   East/West here they are marked by town or city.

Now here we come to the most complicated intersection yes Roundabouts, yes much better then four way stops, they keep the traffic flowing, known in some parts of the States as traffic circles.

You must travel in a clockwise direction and yield all traffic coming from the right, it may well be tempting but do NOT turn right into the roundabout, always go clockwise.

D.S.A. Registered Instructor, Awarded Highest Grade 6