Driving Tips
Driving in America, especially Florida, is an experience in itself. You will see some, "interesting", driving techniques and maneuvers. This is due to the amount of 'non-locals' but even the locals like to keep you on your toes. No 1 tip is "Be careful and take your time. Your on your holidays, remember".
Things to note and remember
- Remember you drive on the Right hand side. Especially when turning left. It's easy to forget and find yourself on the wrong side of a freeway, which you don't want to do!
- The Drink drive limit in Florida is "Don't do it unless you want to spend your holidays in a police cell" call a cab instead on (407) 422 2222.
- Overtaking on any 2 lane or more road is on any side. Always check rear, and both side mirrors, before maneuvering.
- When you can, always keep to the right.
- You can, unless it states on the lights that you can not, make a right turn on a red light. The cars behind you will help you with this one by honking their horn at you.
- 4 way protocol. When approaching a 4 way junction (crossroads) which is not controlled by lights you must always stop. The order to move is the order in which vehicle stopped at the 4 way. If you were the second there then you go second etc.
- Keep plenty of quarters and $1 bills on your car for toll roads. You will need them and there are big fines for not paying at a toll, and not all of them are manned.
- Road signs hanging above the road are NOT the road you are on but the one you are crossing. You will get used to this the third or fourth time you go back to Florida.
- Don't expect other road users to be polite, generally they are not. It's just their way and no reflection on you or your dull, hire car. Just chill out and enjoy the sunshine.
- Always max out on insurance coverage for your car and person. You will regret it if you have a bump or need a doctor.
- Exit signs on most roads are situated just after the road you need to take. Strange but true! Give yourself as much time as possible when you want to leave the interstate or other fast road. Use your maps that the hire car firm will give you. They are not to scale but are a good start.
- When parking on the street always park facing the direction you are travelling, you will get a ticket if you don't. Check the parking signs posted on posts along the highway for parking restrictions. Generally there are no such things as yellow lines but there may still be restricted parking. Look up, not down, for signs.
- Keep to the speed limit. It's an "on the spot" fine if you don't and get caught, which you probably will. Speeding fines are usually doubled if you speed when highway workers are present. It's expensive, so be careful.
- Be very. very careful when it's wet. Roads are very slippery as they are usually hot with bitumen running on the surface. They become like an ice rink very quickly. Be careful.
- Objects in the mirror are always closer than they seem - always check twice before maneuvering.
- School buses. You will know instantly what these are, as they big and yellow with School Bus written on them. Sorry to be flippant but these are very important. Even though you may be on your holidays children may still be at school. When a school bus stops warning lights will start flashing and a stop sign drop from the roof. You MUST NOT overtake a stopped school bus but must stop behind and wait until it moves off before you can overtake. If this is on a residential road with no barrier between the opposing lanes then you also MUST stop. There is a whole lot of punishments if you don't. Just think safety and you will be fine.
Driving is the best way to get around Florida so make it an enjoyable one and just "Be sensible" and you will be fine.
