Re: Euro listers - driving tips

[Jonas Sultan <jonas.sultan@lnd.martinsson.se>]

>Michael Murphy <mmurphy@nais.com> wanted some hints on:
>2.  Any driving customs, pointers, "no-nos'" would be appreciated
especially:     yield rules, right turns on red, and Euro mountain driving
etiquette etc?

Michael,

Driving in Germany can be quite a different thing from the States... Since you are a stranger in this environment - play it safe, don't try to drive as fast as the natives on Autobahn! Common road sense usually gets you safely from one point to another...

One thing that a lot of people (Europeans as well as Americans) don't seem to realise is that there aren't that much 'free speed' anymore in Germany. Most of the Autobahn is nowadays speed restricted (120 Km/h or less)- and the police are out there to make sure of that people obey speed limits! Why is this you might ask - One reason is that the merging of East and West Germany meant that there were too many inexperienced East drivers around (in slow cars (can you call a 'Traby' a car?!?) without rear view mirrors (and mostly without brakes!)). Too many fatal accidents in other words...

Autobahn:

Rule 1:  German drivers WILL change lane to Left at the very instance when they use their indicator while in the Right lane. PERIOD. Also applies to Trucks. So, if you are overtaking cars / trucks and a driver turns on his indicator, count on that he expects you to let him out and he won't think twice about accelerating and changing lane with minimal margin, just in front of you. Loads of accidents happen when non-Germans don't realise this until it's too late...

Rule 2: Pay attention to 'Bei Nässe' that is displayed on (under) most every second sign (especially speed signs) on Autobahn. This means that the message on the sign applies if the road surface is wet - that's why it seems that everyone is speeding ahead regardless of the speed limit... All warning signs should be taken seriously - as should all road work. Lanes can get very narrow quickly if you don't pay attention...

Rule 3: Keep your distance to other cars - even though local drivers don't. Depending on the situation many drivers wait till the last minute to apply the brakes (and they make use of the ABS they have paid for!). If you are not experienced with Stick Shift - you will appreciate what I say when you are there.

Rule 4: Use of (and the interpretation) of high beam as a way of giving signal varies in different countries. In Germany it means DANGER (Get out of the way), in the Nordic countries it is a way of saying - I see you, you can drive out, I'll give way to you, etc. 'kind' signs. The danger comes when drivers use the wrong sign in the wrong country... 

Rule 5: Never stay in the LH lane (or lanes) unless you are overtaking. LH lane is really only for overtaking and when you see how fast some drive you will understand why it is not safe to 'get comfortable' in the LH lane. So now you understand why even fast drivers change lane 'all the time'!

Rule 6: If there is an accident and emergency traffic need to get through from behind, you are expected to give way in between lanes. I.e. if you are in the LH lane, you should go as far as possible to the left, in the RH lane you should stay to the right. This should create a usable lane! (During summer you usually see all the tourist do the exact opposite (whatever method is used in their country) - creating a mess.

More:

On the Autobahn, if  a driver in the outer (LH) lane drives with his LH indicator on, it simply means that he thinks that you should let him pass at the next opportunity. He will rarely 'honk' or make obscene gestures at you (unless you don't give him way!!!). By giving way, you show courtesy and that gesture will be appreciated.

There is nothing like a 'right turn on red' unless there is a green light showing that you can turn right.

Pedestrians have the same rights here as in US - Perhaps they are not as sacred here on Ped-crossings though...

Mountain driving - depends on where you drive and the condition of the road. If you stay in Germany there won't really be any problem - all roads are safe and wide enough unless you end up on back streets in the mountains. In Italy, don't be surprised if drivers cross double lines and make all kinds of dangerous things - it's a matter of driving culture (same goes with using the horn! DON'T in Germany, DO in Italy! Switzerland and Austria are mostly like Germany in this respect.).

Any speed penalties are paid for directly to the Police Officer or at the station - If you intend to brake the rules, keep cash with you! It can be expensive to get caught (Have not BTDT!, but friends have lost part of their vacation money that way...)

Avoid rush hours on the Autobahn!

I am sure of that other European listers can add even more items to this list!

Be careful over there and enjoy your vacation!

/Jonas


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonas Sultan  Tel:  +46 - 46 - 31 26 55
Martinsson IS  FAX: +46 - 46 - 31 26 26
Bredgatan 10  Mob: +46 - 70 - 593 78 40
S-222 21  LUND  E-mail: jonas.sultan@lnd.martinsson.se
SWEDEN