Keep left in Britain and Ireland
August 13, 2009
While most first-time visitors to Europe choose to travel by train, consider the convenience of driving. Behind the wheel you’re totally free, going where you want, when you want.
Of course, in Britain and Ireland you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road. Why that side? Originally, it was in order for you to drive defensively … with your “sword hand” on the inside to protect you against oncoming traffic.
Many Yankee drivers find the hardest part isn’t driving on the left, but steering from the right. Your instinct is to put yourself on the left side of your lane, which means you may spend your first day or two constantly drifting off the road to the left. It can help to remember that the driver always stays close to the centre line.
Not only will you be driving on the left, but you’ll also be using roundabouts, where traffic continually flows in a circle around a centre island. These work well if you follow the golden rule: Traffic in roundabouts always has the right-of-way, while entering vehicles yield.
Whenever possible, avoid driving in cities. London even assesses a congestion charge — about $13 per day — to drive in the city centre (see cclondon.com). It’s best and less stressful to begin your driving experience away from big cities, so try renting your car in a smaller town.
Even if you don’t drive, as a pedestrian you’ll have to remember that among our British and Irish cousins’ many unusual habits, traffic comes from the opposite direction — look both ways before crossing any street.
For many more tips, please visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/
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