To my surprise, it hasn't been all that bad! Some tips should you decide to attempt this:
- Each morning when I get in the car I recite a little mantra - "Dan, you are in England. Please stay on the left side of the road."
- Satellite Navigation systems rule. Our Garmin prevents us from getting lost and provides subtle reminders at roundabouts ("Stay left...") along with helpful graphics.
- When other vehicles are coming the other way, it's really not that hard to remember to stay out of their trajectory. The hardest part seems to be when there are no other cars around (e.g. parking lots and side streets).
- Even with the driver's wheel on the left side it isn't too difficult to see everything you need. The only near-impossible challenge would be attempting to pass on a 2-lane road. Way too risky for me!
- If you plan to go through toll booths (and there aren't many), bring a passenger. This also applies to drive-thrus I suppose. Should you not have a willing passenger, you may hire one at the border. Alternatively, you could put the car in park, remove your seatbelt, and lean waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over. Be sure to give a silly grin so they know you are "not from 'round these here parts".
- There are rumors that left-drivered vehicles have headlights that 'dip' to the right (and vice versa). This could lead to unanticipated 'dazzling' (or dazing in our case) of oncoming traffic. This suggestion was debunked by those we questioned, and the purchase/application of black-out strips dismissed as sheer tomfoolery. If you have been caught in our cross-beam, please leave an informative comment to correct our brash continentality.
Enjoy and good luck!
Skoda-mobile has now been to 4 countries and one region desperately desiring to be a country. No word on its replacement.
2 comments:
Madeline and Dan,
Madeline: It's me, Nicole! I ran into your parents while they were in town this week. It was such a pleasant surprise to see them. I had always known you were destined for great things. Reading your blog is like watching a Travel Channel show, what a wonderful way to keep in touch and to share your experiences with everyone from home.
Take care and God bless. –Nicole G.
OK adopted son of mine, how many years have I told you that the Brits drive on the right side of the road, the steering thingy is on the right side of the car. As for roundabouts, they are so easy and traffic moves great!!! That is until an American gets stuck on them and just keeps on goint in circles!! Mind you, more power to you for battling the Brits on the roads over there, now you know why my license plate is CRZBRIT!!!
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