Driving in America vs. England

Feb 07, 2009 13:20

First, thanks to everyone who voted/weighed in on my latest poll.  It's closed now, but it definitely helped me make up my mind ( Read more... )

misc: poll, misc: question

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Comments 11

spiceblueeyes February 7 2009, 18:34:31 UTC
I've never been to England, but i did go to Ireland, where they also drive on the wrong side of the road ;)
I can tell you that you automatically walk to the side of the car you're used to being the driver's side, and then you realize that's wrong and have to go around again. It doesn't sound like much, but after the 5th time doing it, swear words are involved.
Also, the signs are different. Not so much that you can't figure them out, but that you have to figure it out when you see them.
Again, I don't know about England, but in Ireland, many of the roads that aren't main roads are TINY. You think there's no way two cars can fit side by side. Also, the have more traffic circles than we do.
Hope that helps a little.

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vyvsy February 7 2009, 19:04:02 UTC
British driving ( ... )

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madders February 7 2009, 19:05:39 UTC
As a UK driver, the main difference between us and the US are roundabouts- we don't have massive interchanges everywhere, we have circles that you drive around clockwise, and then turn off on whatever exit you want. I know that throws a lot of American drivers ( ... )

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shapinglight February 7 2009, 19:09:23 UTC
If this is Spike's first time driving in the US, I assume the story is set in the past? It would probably help to know the time period before giving you any info.

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toobusy2write February 7 2009, 19:16:20 UTC
Oh, nope. Sorry. Forgot to mention this is human AU and it's his first time in the US, so it's set in the present. :)

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shapinglight February 8 2009, 18:11:52 UTC
Oh, right. I daresay you have all the info you want now.

Roundabouts. We have lots and lots of roundabouts.

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deborahw37 February 7 2009, 19:55:24 UTC
When I first drove in the US I was thrown by the way traffic lights are strung above the centre of junctions ( ours are on poles at the sides) No orange light ( Ours Go Red Organge Green Orange Red , yours go Red Green Red. Intersections where I'm used to Roundabouts , Freeways with more than three lanes *yikes* Not enough warning for turn offs ( we get a three sign count down ). Joining roads from what felt like the wrong side. Oh and 50MPH limits on straight roads ( actually straight roads are always strange too)

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mabel_marsters February 8 2009, 01:26:41 UTC
Maybe have him comment on the car being an automatic - although there are plenty of automatics over here - the majority will still have manual gear stick shift. I'd see Spike as being a manual gear change guy :)

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