DRIVING IN THE USA

 

Life in North America revolves around the car. Most people drive to get anywhere, even if it's just a couple of blocks down the road. Cars are larger than we're used to in Europe, although enormous 'Yank tank' sedans are giving way to off-roaders, people carriers and pick-ups. Don't be concerned about hiring a large car in the US, as roads and parking spaces are all big enough to match.

Driving habits

Almost eveyone drives an automatic car, which adds to the relaxed driving atmosphere in most of the US, as do low freeway (motorway) speed limits. For years these were set at 55 mph, but most staes have now raised their limits to 65 or 70 mph.

American driving sometimed seems lax by European standards, although outside the big American cities drivers tend to be lazy not agressive. Beware of drivers who turn or change lanes without bothering to signal. Confusingly, a car's rear indicator, or turn signal, is normally a flashing red brake light, not a separate yellow indicator light. Overtaking is permitted in any lane on the freeway.

Americans may speak English but motorists will need to learn a whole new language all the same. Your auto has a hood not a bonnet, and a trunk not a boot. You fill it with gas, not petrol, it has a windshield not a windscreen and tires not tyres.

Highway rules vary considerably between states. Get advice when you hire a car about local speed limits, parking regulations and other unusual rules. Road signs vary between states too, although US signs are easy to understand because they are usually given as a written message rather than a pictogram.

In most US states right turns are allowed at red traffic lights unless there is a sign stating otherwise. You must first come to a complete stop and ensure that the road is clear before proceeding.

At multiple junctions, the driver who arrives at the junction first has priority. If two or more cars arrive at once, give way to the right. Always stop for a school bus that is stationary with its lights flashing.

Congestion

Urban freeways commonly have a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane. At certain times of day this lane is reserved for cars with the posted minimum number of occupants in an effort to encourage car sharing and cut congestion. In busy conditions traffic usually flows more quickly in this lane. Fines for using it illegally can be high.

Parking

Regulations vary, but painted kerbs usually indicate that parking restrictions are in force. In California, for instance, a white-painted kerb means you can stop to let out or pick up a passenger; yellow means you can stop briefly for deliveries; green allows parking for a specified time; blue indicates disabled only parking; and red means no parking or stopping at any time. Always park in the direction of traffic flow, and don't park within 15ft of a fire hydrant.

Drink-driving

The drink-drive limit in most US states is the same as in the UK, at 80mg alcohol per 100ml of blood, and drink-driving is a serious offence. Drivers aged under 21 are not permitted to drink any alcohol at all before driving. In most states it is against the law to carry an open bottle of alcoholic drink inside the car unless it is shut away in the boot.

Gas stations

When buying fuel in the US, many gas stations require you to pay before you start pumping. If you fill up for less than the amount you've paid for, return to the cashier to collect your change. Fuel is sold by the gallon, but it's the US gallon, equivalent to 3.8 litres, not the 4.6-litre imperial gallon. Don't pull in at a full-service pump unless you specifically want an attendant to fill your tank, check your oil and clean your windshield, as you pay significantly more per gallon for the privilege. Three grades of octane are available. Most hire cars are happy with the cheapest grade, but check with your rental company to be certain.

Everything seems bigger in America:

Some RVs (the US term for motorhomes) are so vast that owners tow their everyday transport along behind        

Speed limits	Urban	Open road	Motorway
Car	30 mph	65 mph	70 mph
Towing	30 mph	65 mph	70 mph
Traffic regulations
Minimum driving age	16 years
Drink-drive limit	80 mg alcohol per 100ml blood (zero for under 21 years)
Child in front seat	Min 4 years unless using child restraint
Seat Belt	Compulsory in front and rear seats
Motorcyclists	Riders and passengers under 21 yrs must wear crash helmet and use headlamp at all times
Emergency telephone numbers
Police	911
Fire	911
Ambulance	911

Table applies to Florida. Regulations may differ in other states.

Extracted from Haynes Glovebox guide DRIVING ABROAD by Robert Davies. This authoritive guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of driving abroad.

Order from www.haynes.co.uk