It’s so typical that we are one of the few countries that choose to drive on the left hand side of the road. Of course, this is no problem if you never leave the UK, but for those who enjoy a summer holiday on the continent or a skiing trip to the Canadian mountains, driving on the right will eventually become a necessity.
Driving in a different country takes some getting used to, and you really don’t want to have to test the limits of your collision damage waiver while you’re learning. In an effort to help you get to grips with driving on the right, we have put together a few tips.
Go Slow
By taking your time and double checking everything, you’ll be sure to make better decisions and react more effectively to issues that may arise unexpectedly. Going slow and steady will also help you to relax and get used to how other road users are driving.
Practice
Practice makes perfect, is that not what they say? So, make sure you get to grips with driving on the right by taking your hire car off for a drive down a quiet street before you go whizzing off down a busy motorway.
Overtaking
Remember that vehicles will pass you on the left. You need to be a mirror image of yourself driving in the UK: check your left wing mirror and make sure the blind spot over your left shoulder doesn’t get forgotten about.
Roundabouts
These can be tricky when you are driving on the other side of the road and in some countries, they can be daunting too! Traffic goes round counter clockwise and it is the traffic on the left that you need to give way to, not the right. T-junctions in countries that drive on the right also require extra care. Priority is given to vehicles coming from the left.
Pedestrians
Not all pedestrians are as compliant as us British citizens when it comes to crossing the road. Be aware and never second-guess what someone on foot will do.
Ask For Help
If you have a passenger, get them to look out for you. They can double check for approaching vehicles and can help when you are reversing or parking. Passengers can also be useful when it comes to navigation. Whether it is reading a satnav or a map, a helpful passenger can leave you free to concentrate on the road.
Before You Go
If you are worried about driving on the right and want extra peace of mind when it comes to insurance, we suggest that you don’t rely on the collision damage waiver offered by the car hire company, but instead invest in car hire excess insurance. Companies offering these policies aim to provide what regular insurance doesn’t.
Driving on the right can take time to get used to so don’t rely on the collision damage waiver – get adequate excess insurance and take our tips on board.
Sam Walker is a specialist insurance expert at LowerHire, a company that offers low-cost single trip and annual multi-trip car hire excess insurance policies. Travellers can avoid the hidden costs of the collision damage waiver in their rental agreement and look forward to a stress-free car hire experience.
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