Scared of driving in the US
Mar 23rd 2010, 9:43 pm
#46
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Bristol, UK relocating to Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 17
Re: Scared of driving in the US
I can't thank you all enough. You have made me laugh so that I have cried reading some of the fun comments - as well as being really grateful for the advice. I genuinely feel reassured about me being able to do this now - even if the other drivers that I will have to meet are out to get me!
I can definitely see me reaching for the window instead of the brake and the other little mishaps - and I should get some practice in gesticulating towards other drivers with the other hand than I am used to doing too
Karen
I can definitely see me reaching for the window instead of the brake and the other little mishaps - and I should get some practice in gesticulating towards other drivers with the other hand than I am used to doing too
Karen
Mar 24th 2010, 12:41 am
#47
BE Commentator
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 8,427
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Also, automatics have gotten so efficient that the gasoline consumption penalty is not all that significant. Also, it is easier for the manufacturers to certify automatics for emission controls because human drivers cannot be integrated into the engine/brake management controls. Furthermore, the slight difference will be erased every time you have to replace that damn clutch. And automatics are bullet proof these days as long as you replace the fluids every so often.
Mar 24th 2010, 12:51 am
#48
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Scared of driving in the US
But you are right, finding a manual ain't that easy, quite a few Mazda and Saturn manuals around though.
Mar 24th 2010, 12:54 am
#49
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,542
Re: Scared of driving in the US
I am not so sure about that. Most models do not come in stick-shift, and the ones that do, there will not be that many on the lot [for example, the Honda Fit has stick available, but 95% are sold with automatic].
Also, automatics have gotten so efficient that the gasoline consumption penalty is not all that significant. Also, it is easier for the manufacturers to certify automatics for emission controls because human drivers cannot be integrated into the engine/brake management controls. Furthermore, the slight difference will be erased every time you have to replace that damn clutch. And automatics are bullet proof these days as long as you replace the fluids every so often.
Also, automatics have gotten so efficient that the gasoline consumption penalty is not all that significant. Also, it is easier for the manufacturers to certify automatics for emission controls because human drivers cannot be integrated into the engine/brake management controls. Furthermore, the slight difference will be erased every time you have to replace that damn clutch. And automatics are bullet proof these days as long as you replace the fluids every so often.
To the OP I was wary of driving here, can honestly say it now feels normal on the right, unfortunately I dont drive when I go to the UK now.
Just go out when its quiet and practice you will be fine.
Mar 24th 2010, 12:59 am
#50
Septic Sprout
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 7,993
Re: Scared of driving in the US
I find a few drinks before setting out steadies the nerves nicely.
Mar 24th 2010, 9:30 am
#51
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 10,678
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Another thing to remember if you purchase a Toyota with an automatic transmission, you'll have to put it into neutral if it doesn't stop.
Mar 24th 2010, 9:58 am
#52
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Seminole, Florida
Posts: 11
Re: Scared of driving in the US
In Florida the main hazards seems to be little old folks driving huge 1980s Cadillacs. My best advice for a new driver is to run away very fast when you spot one of these senior people. My part of Florida is often nicknamed "God's waiting room". You can imagine that everyday is sheer terror on these streets. Fortunately the roads are about 100 feet wide and arrow straight which seems to help the oldies in their driving. Without the problem of curves and roundabouts they can focus on ramming the car in front or mowing down the occasional "lesser-spotted" pedestrian.
So, avoid the greys...and pray alot!
So, avoid the greys...and pray alot!
Mar 24th 2010, 12:52 pm
#53
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,545
Re: Scared of driving in the US
I am not so sure about that. Most models do not come in stick-shift, and the ones that do, there will not be that many on the lot [for example, the Honda Fit has stick available, but 95% are sold with automatic].
Also, automatics have gotten so efficient that the gasoline consumption penalty is not all that significant. Also, it is easier for the manufacturers to certify automatics for emission controls because human drivers cannot be integrated into the engine/brake management controls. Furthermore, the slight difference will be erased every time you have to replace that damn clutch. And automatics are bullet proof these days as long as you replace the fluids every so often.
Also, automatics have gotten so efficient that the gasoline consumption penalty is not all that significant. Also, it is easier for the manufacturers to certify automatics for emission controls because human drivers cannot be integrated into the engine/brake management controls. Furthermore, the slight difference will be erased every time you have to replace that damn clutch. And automatics are bullet proof these days as long as you replace the fluids every so often.
Mar 24th 2010, 2:38 pm
#55
BE Commentator
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 8,427
Re: Scared of driving in the US
I've never owned or driven an automatic, except for rentals in the US, and I haven't rented a car here for twenty years or more (rentals in England are usually manual unless you specifically request an automatic.) I've never had a problem with a clutch or had to replace one. It is true that you sometimes have to dig deeper to buy a manual transmission car, which sometimes means paying more if they have to transfer it from a dealership hundreds of miles away rather than selling you one that they have in stock..
Last edited by S Folinsky; Mar 24th 2010 at 2:40 pm.
Mar 24th 2010, 2:51 pm
#57
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Gave the guy (who was flipping 29 years old!) a reckless driving ticket, which is a criminal offense rather than just a fine. 
Mar 24th 2010, 4:22 pm
#58
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Not a wanker though.
EDIT: Look at this dumbass!
Everybody knows the werewolves are over in Forks! http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911...ves/199230.asp
Last edited by another bloody yank; Mar 24th 2010 at 4:25 pm.
Mar 24th 2010, 5:27 pm
#59
Catahoula Lover!!!
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Seattle - WA
Posts: 924
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Mar 24th 2010, 7:16 pm
#60
Shocked of Redmond
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 3,446
Re: Scared of driving in the US
It's stories from the PI like the few just above that make me regret that it was the paper PI that went titsup, not the Seattle Times...