Whether you’re driving your own car or you have a rental, driving is one of the most convenient ways to get around when you’re away from home. It means you can get up and go whenever you want, and it gives you a chance to see exactly what you want to see without relying on a bus route, a predetermined tour route, or paying exorbitant fees for a taxi or an Uber.
Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. Driver negligence is a cause of almost every kind of accident, and dealing with other drivers who are comfortable driving in their hometown when you are not can make driving very stressful. Here, auto insurance becomes necessary to safeguard you and the other drivers on the road. To get your car insured, you can click on insurancenavy.com now!
Do yourself a favor and get to know a little bit about the drivers where you’re staying so you can fit right in.
Rules of the Road in Different Countries
If you are traveling to another country, it’s extremely important that you look into the laws in the country where you’re staying. The most basic thing you have to learn is what side of the road to drive on, but you also have to consider the difference in road signs and speed limit expectations. For example, when driving in Germany, you may find that there are no speed limits depending on where you’re driving.
If the driving is very different where you’re staying, consider spending a day practicing your driving skills in a rural area before you tackle the busier traffic of metropolitan cities.
Other things you’ll need to consider include:
- If you need auto insurance
- What kind of licensure you need
- Local emergency numbers
Are There More Offensive or Defensive Drivers?
It is important to think defensively wherever you drive, but just how defensive you are will depend on where you’re driving. In some cities, you may find that you’ll need to work on your offensive skills.
If you’re in a rural area, a small town, or a small city, you can take as much time as you need to stop, assess the flow of traffic, and enter when it feels most comfortable for you. Other drivers may be doing the same.
In densely populated cities, you may find that same defensive stance makes other drivers mad. Instead, you have to take the initiative to speed up and merge into traffic, and you may have to do it earlier than you’re comfortable with.
It is not the best idea to rent a car and drive around in an unfamiliar place when you just got your drivers license. It’s best to get some experience driving at home, where you know the roads and how people drive. If you don’t have your drivers license yet start learning today!
How Do Drivers Deal With Traffic?
It’s also important to consider how other drivers deal with traffic. For example, if the traffic picks up on the interstate during rush hour, drivers may be used to it and simply go with the flow. In other cities, drivers may not be afraid to let you know how they are feeling by laying on the horn.
It’s helpful to be prepared so you aren’t startled and you don’t take things too personally. If you get honked at driving in New York City, do what needs to be done and move on with your day.
Texting and Talking While Driving
People attempt to text and drive anywhere and everywhere, but the laws can vary widely, depending on where you’re traveling. Most states have texting and driving laws, but some also ban handheld phone conversations, while using the phone at all is illegal for certain drivers.
Before you get on your phone, research the laws in the states where you’ll be traveling so you don’t find yourself in trouble.
Going With the Flow of Traffic
No matter where you’re staying, be aware of the flow of traffic and do your best to fit in. It’s important to follow the speed limit, but it’s also important to follow the lead of the other drivers around you.
In Chicago, drivers can move fast on the road. You don’t want to be the one car that’s going five miles under the speed limit because you don’t know where you’re going. Plan ahead so you can drive quickly and confidently.
It also means following the flow of traffic if things are slow. Put on the brakes for rainy, snowy, or foggy weather, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic, even if you’re going to be late to a show.
Just because people drive in nearly every country in the world doesn’t mean everyone drives the same way! Before you hop in the car on your travels, do a little research on the drivers in the area so you know exactly what you’re getting into.