h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I just returned from a trip to Florida. I had thought Georgia drivers were bad. Apparently, Floridians have suspended the rules to do with right-of-way.

For some reason, drivers down there pull out of driveways and parking lots any old time they please. If they can squeeze in between two cars, they'll do it. It doesn't seem to matter how close a call it may be or if the speed limit is 65 mph and the accident would be spectacular. They'll pull right out.

If they're turning left onto a road, it doesn't seem to concern them that there's no room for them on the other side. They'll pull out into moving traffic and wait while blocking one or two lanes. No problem. At least in Georgia when they do this, they wait for traffic to stop before blocking lanes.

Now, I didn't have time to notice if these were tourists or locals, but something down there obviously makes people suicidal.

Florida was such a beautiful place. I guess all the bodies from the fatality accidents keep the Florida greenery nice and lush.

Help!!

I'm off to Florida for the first time in a couple of weeks and I have stupidly been named as the designated driver for the holiday. (Whoopy!!) Now I've been driving around London for years but I hear driving in the USA is a completely different experience. Can you recommend any web sites I can visit to learn more about there supposed highway code? any help would be much appreciated.

Can't help you with a website, but you will be surprised how quickly you become accustomed to driving on the opposite side of the road. It is extremely helpful that the steering wheel is on the opposite side - at least that makes it feel 'right' to be on the other side from what you are used to. That was my experience in going from USA driving to Ireland - so i would assume the reverse is also true. You will probably have no real problem on surface streets (as opposed to freeways). Despite this website, it really isn't all that difficult and virtually all important laws are the same in all 50 states. Speed-limits are frequently posted - on freeways you will almost never be stopped if you are less than ten miles over. Speed is most strictly monitored in smaller towns and suburbs and it is well to stay pretty close to the posted limit there. Go with the flow, is the best advice. You can nearly always turn right on a red light after making a complete stop, unless the specific intersection is posted otherwise with a very noticeable sign. Some left turns on major streets in a town have special green arrow lights for a left turn, during which ONLY left turns can take place. if you see more than three lights on a single post, this is probably the case. Flashing yellow lights mean 'caution' but do not REQUIRE anything - they may mark sharp curves or unexpected or temporary conditions. Flashing red always means stop completely, then go when safe. On 4 way stops, yeild always to the car on your left. The rule is one car from each direction in order. You must always come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Signs with black writing on a white background are mandatory instructions, signs with black on yellow are suggestions and not binding (these are often speed limits on exit ramps or on curves - the catch is if you exceed the warning speed and DO have an accident, you can be cited for 'unsafe for conditions', but otherwise not. Most roads are excellent - even small rural ones with appropriate grading for the posted speeds (and even somewhat above). in rural areas, watch for animals - probably the same as at home. I suspect most states have websites with the traffic laws listed - at least the main rules - try a couple of searches.
Before you enter your first freeway, take a look to see what the local practice is about stopping/not stopping on entry - or ask at the airport. In Most states you do NOT stop and have a decent length of extra lane to get up to speed before the extra lane merges. If the practice is not to stop, it is very dangerous to do so. I suspect you do NOT stop in Florida, but check it out first. If you have a particular concern, ask at the rental agency. They don't want accidents any more than you do. Getting out of the airport is usually the first real test and can be vexing, but is not really that dangerous. Don't get rattled. In fact that is the best advice throughout. The person who gestures may be the idiot - not you. That is often the case. Don't give rude handsigns by the way, unless you are sure the other drive is not armed! (That is only half a joke). Much as people crab about other drivers, I have found that they usually give way when you really get in the way.
Don't ever cross double solid lines. Big ticket - they are 'virtual' curbs. Parking can be difficult in urban areas (finding a place, I mean) but be aware that illegal parking can get your car towed away in your absence, so think before you do it.
Keep in mind that virtually every freeway exit also has an entrance at the same location for the opposite direction. i am telling you this to remind you that if you miss an exit you can always get back to it with little trouble by taking the next exit and returning. So if it seems hard to get over when your exit comes, don't do something dangerous, just pass it and return.
We have LOTS of one-way streets, so be ready for them.
Have a good time over here. I am sure you'll do fine.

A couple of other points to consider:

* In Florida, expect to see alligators sunning themselves beside (or on) some roads. Blacktop being such a great way to store solar heat, the big lizards love to lay out on it. Hitting one can really trash your suspension.

* Daytona, Florida is one of the few places you can drive on the beach in the US. Therefore it's a bit of a mecca for sports car lovers and motorcyclists. During Bike Week, expect the entire area to be choked up with bikers, and lodging will be difficult (if not impossible) to find. If you ride a bike, it's a great time and place to spend a vacation. If you don't, you might get a bit overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of people cruising around on bikes (Harleys, mostly, but you should see other brands scattered throughout) and partying their tattooed behinds off.

(yes, I ride. How did you guess?)

There is one other sizeable area I know if where you are permitted to drive on the beach, this is in several areas of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The Outer Banks (locally abbreviated OBX) are a string of barrier islands off the coast of NC. They are composed of moving sand dunes and beaches, and are mostly known vor vacationing and the spot of the Wright Brothers' first flight. The area I know of is at the northern extreme of the Banks, near the town of Corolla. The road which services this part of the outer banks (there's only one, the islands are less than a mile wide at this point) actually ends at Corolla. If you want to continue north towards Virginia Beach you have no choice but to drive on the beach. It actually has mile markers! Four wheel drive is a must and deflating tires to 20 lbs/sq. in is recommended. Leaving the beach in a vehicle is prohibited because the dunes are protected land, as are the wild horses which live there.