“Two-thirds of Brits who have driven abroad have run into problems”, new research from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office reveals.
Specifically, tourists are three times more likely to be involved in road accidents than local drivers, with almost a third having driven on the wrong road.
Brits planning on driving in the United States should follow simple road safety rules to avoid accidents and stay within the law.
Rest assured, although driving in the U.S. can seem scary, it’s easier than you may think — U.S. roads are typically wider and follow a simple, grid layout that’s generally free from twists, dead ends, and hidden streets, as are often encountered in the UK.
Familiarise yourself with state road rules.
Road rules vary from state to state. Ideally, you should consult the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state you plan on driving in to check precisely what you need to know.
In California, for example, it’s the law to park in the direction of traffic, while in Florida, you always need to keep your headlights on during rain, smoke, or fog in both the daytime and nighttime.
And, in all states, you’re legally required to keep your licence with you while driving — most states recognise foreign driver’s licences.
Additionally, you’ll also need your insurance documents, as well as your passport.
Staying safe on American roads
Remember: in the U.S., cars drive on the right side of the road. When you’re first getting used to driving here, you may also want to go slowly, which is fine — but it’s best to stick to the far right lane.
And, when you reach an intersection, the driver who gets there first typically has the right of way.
It’s also usually best to not honk your horn — this practice is more common in other countries than in the U.S.
Horn honking should only be used to get the attention of a driver or pedestrian, like if you’re about to get hit by another car, for example.
Just like when driving in the UK, it’s also always important to stick to the speed limit.
On rural interstate highways, the speed limit is typically 70 miles per hour (112 kph), while in residential areas, it can be as low as 20 miles per hour (32 kph).
What to Do if You Get Involved in an Accident
If you’re involved in an auto accident, first and foremost, seek medical attention if needed, call 911 or ask someone else to do so if you’re seriously injured and cannot move to help yourself.
Allstate highlights that check on other passengers in your vehicle, if possible, before seeking safety.
If you are able to drive the damaged vehicle away from immediate danger, move it to the side of the road or sidewalk, then exit safely.
Report any incident involving property damage, personal injury or death to the police – legally required in certain states.
Finally, consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to claim damages.
You need to make sure that the lawyer has significant experience and knowledge of city and state laws.
If, for example, the accident takes place in Los Angeles or San Francisco, then consider hiring a Los Angeles or a San Francisco personal injury lawyer.
Brits planning on driving in the U.S. should follow road safety rules.
By abiding by state road laws and using common sense, you can enjoy your vacation while staying safe.
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