Here is the list of 10 tips for driving on the right side of the road. By following these simple guidelines, you will enjoy your drive and not have any problems with local law enforcement officers.
You are going on holiday to a foreign country where people communicate in a foreign language and drive on the "wrong" side of the road. Yes, you are now going to the country on the opposite side.
Read here what precautions you need to take when driving a rental car on the right side of the road: Test the vehicle before you head out, adjust the drive and avoid distractions. You may not learn any new languages on your vacation, but you will undoubtedly understand how to drive on the right side of the road.
1. Pick up a car in a quiet place
When you rent a car, make sure that the pickup is in a quiet area. It will take some time to get used to driving on the right side of the road, so the last thing you need is heavy traffic. Heavy traffic will only make you feel more stressed than you should be. It is not the time to test your limits. If your car rental company has an office outside of town, choose the pickup location. If you can only pick up a car at the airport or downtown, drive out of the city centre and find a more rural road with less traffic where you can get more used to driving on the right side.
2. Keep track, study the map
Before you set off, study the map and familiarise yourself with the roads. Then, rent a car with a navigation system or set the audio navigation on your mobile phone. When your route is clearly defined, you'll drive more safely and with less stress on the right side of the road.
3. Get to know your car
When you pick up a rental car, learn its features and settings. For example, the gearshift, turn signals, joystick, and windshield wipers will now be opposite. Then, test the vehicle and its functions and get used to the brand-new feeling.
4. Starve your distractions, and feed your focus.
Now that you're driving on the "wrong side" of the road, it's not the time to multitask. Just keep your focus on the road. Get all the things you need to do before hitting the road. Listening to the radio can be a distraction. Turn it off. Set your sat nav before you set off. Eat that sandwich at the stop.
5. Drive safely, drive slowly
Your reaction time is a little slower now that you are learning to drive on the right side of the road. Therefore, you need to go slower as well. Things can get pretty bad if you are moving fast and have a slow reaction time. Just smile, breathe, and drive slowly.
6. Buy car rental insurance.
Make sure you are fully insured when you rent a car. CDW or Collision Damage Waiver only covers the body of the vehicle. CDW does not cover damage to the mirrors, roof or underbody. It also does not cover the cost of an immobiliser. Since you're driving on the other side of the road than you're used to, your driving skills aren't perfect. But, it's better to be safe than sorry. You can read more about CDW and car rental deductibles here.
7. Merry go round(about)
Roundabouts can be challenging when you first start driving on the right side of the road. They may be the most dangerous and confusing thing you'll encounter on your trip. Remember: traffic flows counterclockwise, and you must yield the right-of-way to those coming from the left.
8. Embrace your mistakes
You will make a mistake. But don't try to make a big deal out of it. You're used to driving on the left side, and it's perfectly normal for your brain to take some time to get used to driving on the "wrong" side of the road.
9. Use extra eyes
Ask your passenger to help you read the map, change the radio station, and check the road signs. They can be your navigator when you park. In addition, they can be a beneficial pair of extra eyes. They will help you remember to stay on the right side of the road, and hopefully, they will put your mind at ease.
10. Practise makes perfect
Take our advice, practise, and go for a spin on a quiet road or car park. If the image of reversing in the mirrors makes you confused or nervous, turn around and look out the back window to get a straight view. And remember, you as the driver should always be in the middle of the road - whether you're driving left or right. And finally, don't worry, you'll get used to the mirrors just like you'll get used to driving on the "wrong side" of the road.
Countries where you drive on the right side of the road
As you will see, you are in the minority. In more than two-thirds of countries, people drive on the right side of the road. Here they are:
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Cuba |
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Gibraltar |
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Algeria |
Russia |
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Burma |
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Egypt |
Israel |
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El-Salvador |
Jordan |
Saudi Arabia |
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Ukraine |
Lithuania |
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China |
Georgia |
Luxembourg |
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Ghana |
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USA |
