Driving in America!

Shikkaka · 10 Apr 2008 at 12:32

Bonjour!

In 7 weeks time I'm buggering off to Florida for two weeks and will be driving for the first time in a foreign country.

Is there anything at all I should be aware of before jumping in and going? Any stupid petty laws I should know about? Anything at all?

Oh and I know they drive on the right hand side of the road already

Snakedoctor · 10 Apr 2008 at 12:34

Make sure you are armed!

Shikkaka · 10 Apr 2008 at 12:35

Turophobic said:
Make sure you are armed!

Check!

Just remembered another. Don't write "country and western music sucks" down the side of my car and drive through Alabama.

Kanifee · 10 Apr 2008 at 12:35

if someone walks towords you at traffic light make sure you are ready for a sharp exit!!

Ricochet J · 10 Apr 2008 at 12:36

If you have the oppertunity, floor it on Route 66.

Masterdog · 10 Apr 2008 at 12:40

I believe you can turn right at a red light.

Shikkaka · 10 Apr 2008 at 12:41

Masterdog said:
I believe you can turn right at a red light.

Ah yes, heard of that one too. Forgot to mention it.

Is it providing nothing else is coming or just that nothing else will be coming period?

scorza · 10 Apr 2008 at 12:50

Steameh said:
Ah yes, heard of that one too. Forgot to mention it.

Is it providing nothing else is coming or just that nothing else will be coming period?

You have to check that the way is clear. You're also expected to give way to pedestrians crossing the road.

stumpy187 · 10 Apr 2008 at 12:51

We knew about the turning right at the lights when its red but never did it unless following others, my mum kinda didnt feel comfortable in doing it.
Best thing though, you can overtake legally in any lane so theres none of this going out to pass people in the middle

therealnerd2 · 10 Apr 2008 at 13:18

stumpy187 said:
We knew about the turning right at the lights when its red but never did it unless following others, my mum kinda didnt feel comfortable in doing it.
Best thing though, you can overtake legally in any lane so theres none of this going out to pass people in the middle

So remember to doubly-check your inside mirror when moving back in after a standard overtake.

Howard · 10 Apr 2008 at 13:20

I'm driving over there in July too. $25/day to drive them as I'm under 25 *sob*

Fr0dders · 10 Apr 2008 at 13:23

anybody suggest any good rental people

we're off there next summer and have been looking at renting a car. Im over 25 so hopefully shouldnt be a problem finding somewhere.

6thElement · 10 Apr 2008 at 13:37

Enterprise is normally the cheapest for me on personal rentals, although I use Hertz on a normal week.

Just constantly remind yourself when you get in the car about driving on the right, easy to make a mistake first thing in the morning or in an evening when tired.