|
Re: Driving in Canada
One of the biggest things to get used to is simply sitting on the wrong side of the car. When we holidayed here I found I was looking up and left to find my rear-view mirror!
I keep going to the wrong side of the car still, when I am thinking of s'thing else :rolleyes: The first time we came, I said to hubby I was not going to drive, so we went to find the hire car in the parking lot ..... and got in .... and looked at eachother, laughed, then solemly had to get out and swop sides! For driving position in the road, if you are not sure how much space you have on your near-side, it sometimes works to line yourself up on the car in front (if THEY look as if they are in the right place!!!) :D |
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by Phil43
In 3 days myself and my family will be in Canada and have booked a hire car.
Does anyone have tips that I have to look out for as i have never been before? :scared: Hi, its Darren, (the other half of Tara 74), we have been to Canada twice in recent years and on each ocassion we have haggled with the rental company upon our arrival and managed to get a free upgrade. The last time we went we were met by friends at the airport who said that this request is almost expected and normally accepted. When we did it we felt a little embarrassed however it always worked in our favour... Be mindful that if your flight is delayed, vehicle rental companies close after midnight until 6am the following morning. ( seats in the airport are not made for comfort, we found that out!!) Good Luck and have a wonderful trip. Darren and Tara :) |
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by Morwenna
I don't know if this is the same where you're going but around Calgary there are loads of "no-left" or no-right-turn" signs that only apply at certain times of the day.
A week or two ago I was trying to get to a college for a course, down a road I hadn't been before, and I suddenly realised I couldn't get to it from the road I was on. I was already late and anxious, and I though I'd just turn at the next left and double back. Well I DID see the sign, but didn't have time to stop and read what the time restriction was, and followed another car around. There was a cop waiting! He pulled over a whole line of us, and everyone got a fine! $172 and two points on my licence!! He did say I could go to court and contest it, but I was so upset, I just thought why add humiliation to boot? I saw the sign. I didn't observe it! Still sucks though :( |
Re: Driving in Canada
Also wanted to mention (cos I can't see anyone else advise it) but apart from the STOP signs, there are also lots of YIELD signs (upside down red triangle - basically the same as the UK Give Way) and that junction (or intersection) is usually divided by a small triangular island. When approaching to turn right, always slow down and check from your left to see that you are clear to pull into the lane. When I first arrived here, I didn't know what they were and thought I had the right of way to turn right without stopping and I still see many Canadian drivers fail to slow down and check from their left :eek:
|
Re: Driving in Canada
Had me first prang yesterday :eek: NOT MY FAULT! I was sat at the lights when a guy in his massive truck decided to to use my Explorer as a brake! He had dropped his cigarettes and was rumaging around the floor looking for them :scared:
Anyhow after I got home and told Hubby :eek: He said I should have waited for the police. I went to the cop shop today to find out the protocol. If no one is hurt and the damage to both vehicles = less than $1000 then you just exchange details and away you go. Call the police if someone is hurt. If the damage is greater than $1000 then get your vehicle appraised then report it to the police. Luckily I fall into the 1st category :) Safe driving all you guys and gals! |
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by Piff Poff
Had me first prang yesterday :eek: NOT MY FAULT! I was sat at the lights when a guy in his massive truck decided to to use my Explorer as a brake! He had dropped his cigarettes and was rumaging around the floor looking for them :scared:
Anyhow after I got home and told Hubby :eek: He said I should have waited for the police. I went to the cop shop today to find out the protocol. If no one is hurt and the damage to both vehicles = less than $1000 then you just exchange details and away you go. Call the police if someone is hurt. If the damage is greater than $1000 then get your vehicle appraised then report it to the police. Luckily I fall into the 1st category :) Safe driving all you guys and gals! BTW, working tomorrow for the day, sorry haven't phoned you yet - flamin' hopeless! Had lots on here, phone calls to make, stuff to sort out. I will give you a call on Friday ok so we can sort something out for next week ;) JC x |
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by Piff Poff
Had me first prang yesterday :eek: NOT MY FAULT! I was sat at the lights when a guy in his massive truck decided to to use my Explorer as a brake! He had dropped his cigarettes and was rumaging around the floor looking for them :scared:
Anyhow after I got home and told Hubby :eek: He said I should have waited for the police. I went to the cop shop today to find out the protocol. If no one is hurt and the damage to both vehicles = less than $1000 then you just exchange details and away you go. Call the police if someone is hurt. If the damage is greater than $1000 then get your vehicle appraised then report it to the police. Luckily I fall into the 1st category :) Safe driving all you guys and gals! |
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by Phil43
Thanks
We are heading for Ontario, waterloo. Thanks for your advice and i will make sure to print this off and keep it handy. Any more advice would be most welcome. Very nervous Brit :eek: |
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by Morwenna
I keep going to the wrong side of the car still, when I am thinking of s'thing else :rolleyes:
|
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by R2D2
Glad i'm not the only one.......................been here 12 months and still do that. ;)
Are you blonde too? :confused: |
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by Phil43
In 3 days myself and my family will be in Canada and have booked a hire car.
Does anyone have tips that I have to look out for as i have never been before? :scared: If it's any help, here's the link to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Online Drivers Handbook http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dan.../section2a.htm |
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by Calgal
You're right - you were rear ended so it's automatically his fault. (I know, I've been there and I was at fault :o ) .
|
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by alberta_jaycee
Also wanted to mention (cos I can't see anyone else advise it) but apart from the STOP signs, there are also lots of YIELD signs (upside down red triangle - basically the same as the UK Give Way) and that junction (or intersection) is usually divided by a small triangular island. When approaching to turn right, always slow down and check from your left to see that you are clear to pull into the lane. When I first arrived here, I didn't know what they were and thought I had the right of way to turn right without stopping and I still see many Canadian drivers fail to slow down and check from their left :eek:
|
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by Tuppence
Also at these types of junctions, when it is really busy and you are concentrating on finding a gap in the traffic coming from the left, you may not notice a pedestrian approaching from your right and crossing in front of you. I haven't hit one ( :eek: ) but just remember to have a quick check to the right before you finally go for it and launch into traffic.
Here's to safe and happy driving :beer: |
Re: Driving in Canada
Originally Posted by Morwenna
Are you blonde too? :confused:
|
| All times are GMT -12. The time now is 9:04 pm. |
Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.