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Re: Scared of driving in the US
I also want to add that the concept of 4 way stop signs is soooo much better than a roundabout. Roundabouts are fine with sensible traffic levels but if they have high traffic then the selfish gits queue across them blocking people trying to go across perpendicular to them!
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Re: Scared of driving in the US
I was a little nervous when i first drove in NJ on holiday in Feb, but that was mainly down to the snow and driving an automatic in the snow (never a great combination, give me a manual any day in that situation).
However I have spent the past 5 years living in france, so driving on the "wrong" side is second nature now, and I must say, after getting used to the logic over there, driving in the US is so much easier than driving in Europe. I'd say it's similar to driving in Australia, nice wide roads, no cars parked in the middle of them as in Europe, and much better signed etc. Can't wait to get back over there. |
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by blargins
(Post 8455502)
I was a little nervous when i first drove in NJ on holiday in Feb, but that was mainly down to the snow and driving an automatic in the snow (never a great combination, give me a manual any day in that situation)..
As for the automatic v stick -- I've driven both in the snow and other adverse weather. Personally, I think that an atuo combined with traction control & anti-lock brakes is wonderful -- less to worry about. My present car is German and it was one of the few sedans with a stick -- but they advised that the traction control was not as good. I owned sticks for 25 years and still rent them abroad. I've come to like the auto's better. |
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by another bloody yank
(Post 8441587)
Most 15 year olds figure it out pretty quick. It's not difficult.
Put the gear selector in "D" (for "Drive") the pedal on the right makes the car go, the pedal on the left makes it stop, if you want to exit the car, put the selector into the "P" (for "Park") position first. You don't have to worry about turn indicators here, you'll seldom use the brakes... Most US drivers can drive, eat a full meal, apply makeup/shave and carry on a cellphone conversation simultaneously. But, honestly it is 10 times easier driving here using an automatic car. The first time you go out driving will be a bit weird on the other side of the road, but you will get used to it very quickly. It will feel like a breeze compared to back home if you drive an automatic. On the other hand, when I go back home to visit I never drive, because I am scared I'll forget what side of the road I am on, not to mention using a gear shift (now that's hard if you haven't driven in a country for 22 years). |
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by Marmalade
(Post 8455672)
You are hilarious!:rofl::rofl:;)
But, honestly it is 10 times easier driving here using an automatic car. The first time you go out driving will be a bit weird on the other side of the road, but you will get used to it very quickly. It will feel like a breeze compared to back home if you drive an automatic. On the other hand, when I go back home to visit I never drive, because I am scared I'll forget what side of the road I am on, not to mention using a gear shift (now that's hard if you haven't driven in a country for 22 years). |
Re: Scared of driving in the US
I've moved over to the Boston area this year & i'll have to say the standard of driving in this area is really bad & it gets worse when you move out to Natick/Framingham.
In the UK we moan about the state of the road surface, drivers who refuse to move over from middle lane & who drive to close but we have it good in the UK. I never feel unsafe driving at home or even in Europe(France, Italy & Germany) but here its just madness, trucks with no speed restriction pulling 70-80mph, cars drifting from lane to lane, driving so close to your car you cant even see their headlights in your rear view, cutting you up at junctions & as for the junction design and surfaces well lets just say its from the dark ages. I don't know if its just me but it seems that when the yanks get behind a wheel they switch off to everyone around them & continue as if they are the only ones on the road. So far in my three months here I feel that this country needs a good kick up the backside and as for the anti healthcare lobby |
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by daven2505
(Post 8457453)
I've moved over to the Boston area this year & i'll have to say the standard of driving in this area is really bad & it gets worse when you move out to Natick/Framingham.
In the UK we moan about the state of the road surface, drivers who refuse to move over from middle lane & who drive to close but we have it good in the UK. I never feel unsafe driving at home or even in Europe(France, Italy & Germany) but here its just madness, trucks with no speed restriction pulling 70-80mph, cars drifting from lane to lane, driving so close to your car you cant even see their headlights in your rear view, cutting you up at junctions & as for the junction design and surfaces well lets just say its from the dark ages. I don't know if its just me but it seems that when the yanks get behind a wheel they switch off to everyone around them & continue as if they are the only ones on the road. So far in my three months here I feel that this country needs a good kick up the backside and as for the anti healthcare lobby Want to see mad driving, drive around the Arc de Triomphe. |
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by daven2505
(Post 8457453)
I've moved over to the Boston area this year & i'll have to say the standard of driving in this area is really bad & it gets worse when you move out to Natick/Framingham.
In the UK we moan about the state of the road surface, drivers who refuse to move over from middle lane & who drive to close but we have it good in the UK. I never feel unsafe driving at home or even in Europe(France, Italy & Germany) but here its just madness, trucks with no speed restriction pulling 70-80mph, cars drifting from lane to lane, driving so close to your car you cant even see their headlights in your rear view, cutting you up at junctions & as for the junction design and surfaces well lets just say its from the dark ages. I don't know if its just me but it seems that when the yanks get behind a wheel they switch off to everyone around them & continue as if they are the only ones on the road. So far in my three months here I feel that this country needs a good kick up the backside and as for the anti healthcare lobby |
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by daven2505
(Post 8457453)
I've moved over to the Boston area this year & i'll have to say the standard of driving in this area is really bad & it gets worse when you move out to Natick/Framingham.
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Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by another bloody yank
(Post 8457466)
Why'd you stop? Sounded like you were just getting warmed up.
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Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by mellybrown
(Post 8441543)
... Turning right on a red is the best idea ever btw :thumbsup: ...
Driving is the US is no problem. If you're anything more than a poor driver in the UK, you'll be an average or better driver in the US irrespective of which side of the road/car you're on. :) |
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by blargins
(Post 8457464)
That was something that surprised me, the conditions of the road surfaces, but then I'm used to French roads which have the smoothest surfaces I've ever seen in general.
Want to see mad driving, drive around the Arc de Triomphe. |
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by ChasUK
(Post 8454425)
I also want to add that the concept of 4 way stop signs is soooo much better than a roundabout. Roundabouts are fine with sensible traffic levels but if they have high traffic then the selfish gits queue across them blocking people trying to go across perpendicular to them!
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Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by daven2505
(Post 8457453)
I've moved over to the Boston area this year & i'll have to say the standard of driving in this area is really bad & it gets worse when you move out to Natick/Framingham.
My neck of the woods....and the road care here in winter is awesomely shit...even back roads of Maine are in better shape :lol: |
Re: Scared of driving in the US
Originally Posted by blargins
(Post 8457464)
Want to see mad driving, drive around the Arc de Triomphe.
Agreed. :eek: |
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