Because Soda and Pop.
How to Drive in America: a guide for Brits.
- Thread starter Stinkles
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Because Soda and Pop.
I'm licensed in both countries but learned to drive and spend most time in the UK. The first time I drove a car in the US I nearly killed myself within 5 mins, literally as I was pulling out of the airport. I was still a relatively new driver and the massive size of the vehicle and driving on the other side really unnerved me. I've met plenty of wankers on the roads in both countries though. Having said that, Southern Europe looks like a living nightmare on the roads.
Guerrillas in the Mist
Member
Travelling through Cyprus by car was a real eyeopener. The best thing we saw was a teenage girl taking a driving lesson... while listening to her iPod.
Why would you do that?
Member
Living in NYC, I don't have a need to drive, so I don't know how to. Articles like this and most car threads here on NeoGAF deter me from ever wanting to learn.
They started putting these in NYC recently. They're only on the busier crosswalks, but are pretty awesome.
Wait, in Britain, you're allowed to face any direction while parked? That's... weird.
I like the countdown timers, wish we had them in the UK. -- We do have them in the UK!
Although it'll be interesting to know if they persuade more people to wait.
They started putting these in NYC recently. They're only on the busier crosswalks, but are pretty awesome.
I hate this shit. I mean, really? Are you in such a hurry that you have to foolishly provoke an accident like that?
The Technomancer
card-carrying scientician
I like the countdown timers, wish we had them in the UK. -- We do have them in the UK!
Although it'll be interesting to know if they persuade more people to wait.
Huh, these are a novel thing? I've always assumed they were a known entity for ages.
Interesting. I always thought driving in the States was a question of keeping the steering wheel perfectly straight. Do not allow the car to drift left or right as this will cause your car to veer off the perfectly straight road.
Occasionally you may come across what is called a 'corner'. Be prepared on these occasions to actually turn the wheel. Make sure you have turned enough to successfully steer your car around the perfect 90° corner.
Occasionally you may come across what is called a 'corner'. Be prepared on these occasions to actually turn the wheel. Make sure you have turned enough to successfully steer your car around the perfect 90° corner.
Guerrillas in the Mist
Member
To be fair, this happens to me here in Blighty sometimes as well. Misuse of the overtaking lane, not so much, though. I think it's because we've got less really old people on the road, thanks to our Socialist bus passes.
RoadHazard
Gold Member
Yep, many southern European countries are hell when it comes to driving. Northern Europe FTW!
OpinionatedCyborg
Member
Thankfully, the British provided a guide for Americans to follow when driving in the UK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNV0mc_cpQ0
German drivers are quite aggressive as well. That's my experience anyway. The Autobahn gets their blood up I suppose haha.
London drivers are some of the best I've seen. They let other drivers turn, they make space for cyclist and motorbikes. You have to be careful around taxis and minicabs though.
Yeah. I also think that having absolutely no feel from the steering wheel and the questionable handling makes the occasional corner fun. Is it going to understeer? is it going to oversteer? Who knows!
Every corner is a new mystery!
The other day I was driving on a four-lane freeway where the speed limit is 70 and I was going about 75 or so. There was a car behind me that was absurdly close, like I could see the plaque in his teeth. Well apparently he gets pissed that I'm not going faster, switches lanes, and pulls right in front of me going about 40 miles an hour, before he just speeds off. Of course, the guy had a Corvette.
Guerrillas in the Mist
Member
I was going to challenge that, but my main experience with cars in London is with cabs, and cabbies are by and large unsafe, overly aggressive pricks the world over.
Boss Man
Member
I like your style.
Same here. They are rather common in Canada, at least in my area.
RoadHazard
Gold Member
DUFFMCWALIN
Member
Don't you know America is a tiny country and one area's drivers are indicative of the entire country.
Devolution
Member
I love public transit. Whenever I get on freeway entrances I get behind the person who refuses to get up to freeway speeds. I'm so fortunate I never got clipped.
What are some non-american opinions on traffic circles (or "roundabouts" for you red coats)? There everywhere here in DC and it seems like no one actually knows how to safely navigate them.
I should find that daily show skit were one of the correspondents is stuck driving in a 6 lane traffic circle after taking the wrong turn through an underpass from another 6 lane traffic circle..
I should find that daily show skit were one of the correspondents is stuck driving in a 6 lane traffic circle after taking the wrong turn through an underpass from another 6 lane traffic circle..
They're an incredibly efficient ways to keep traffic moving. Would be improved exponentially if more people fucking indicated though.
I love roundabouts; they keep traffic flowing and they're much safer. Who calls them traffic circles?
DiscoJer
Member
I thought we called them roundabouts in the US, too?
There's only one that I know of in my area, it's in a strange location, a back street behind a grocery store and strip mall.
I'd seen them in other cities, but the first time I ran into it I was "WTF?"
Few of them where I am. Lovely as long as people know how to use them properly and dont bungle it up causing backup.
Wow, this is just accurate to a T. How the fuck am I supposed to figure it out (it's part of the driving test here in Canada) when I pick the quietest road to practice and then somehow every single drive shows up and is a dumbfuck that actually pulls up one micron from my bumper to force me to abandon trying in that 20 mile radius.
Basileus777
Member
That merging lanes one is so spot on. Rush hour traffic brings out so many assholes and incompetent/insane drivers in merging areas.
I like the countdown timers, wish we had them in the UK. -- We do have them in the UK!
Although it'll be interesting to know if they persuade more people to wait.
I use these to judge when I should floor the gas to get through the intersection.
IISANDERII
Member
Aren't they all.
Beat me to it. Florida here also, and turn signals are indeed bitch clues.
Trent Strong
Banned
I've never seen or heard of a foot activated handbrake.
all of this is ridiculous british nonsense. this is why everyone secretly points and laughs at this country from across the atlantic
GillianSeed79
Member
So much truth in this thread.
You just forgot one thing. Four-way stop signs. Upon approaching a four-way stop sign your fellow motorists' higher level brain functioning will cease to exist. You may think these were designed so that there is an orderly traffic flow at four way intersections as each motorist yields the right of way to the next.
You are wrong. These are actually games of chicken meant to spice up the commute. The object of the game, regardless of who arrived at the stop sign first, is to have a staring contest. If the driver next in line has the right of way you must immediately start driving into the intersection. Whoever stops first is a bitch. If you are the third or fourth car you can score points by waving out of turn cars into the intersection and getting another car to honk at them.
If you approach one of these it's best to pull over and walk or bike to your desired destination. You will arrive quicker.
You just forgot one thing. Four-way stop signs. Upon approaching a four-way stop sign your fellow motorists' higher level brain functioning will cease to exist. You may think these were designed so that there is an orderly traffic flow at four way intersections as each motorist yields the right of way to the next.
You are wrong. These are actually games of chicken meant to spice up the commute. The object of the game, regardless of who arrived at the stop sign first, is to have a staring contest. If the driver next in line has the right of way you must immediately start driving into the intersection. Whoever stops first is a bitch. If you are the third or fourth car you can score points by waving out of turn cars into the intersection and getting another car to honk at them.
If you approach one of these it's best to pull over and walk or bike to your desired destination. You will arrive quicker.
Little Green Yoda
Member
I think they're only on American-made cars.
To Far Away Times
Member
As a resident of Southern California, I can confirm that all of these are true. Especially the "Bitch Clues" and high speed tailgating.
Also, roundabouts are awesome.
Also, roundabouts are awesome.
Drivers in China were amazing. Everybody drove as if they're in a Hollywood car chase. Best and scariest experience of my life.
Californian drivers are overwhelmingly awful. Don't know how to drive in any weather condition except blistering heat, and then they crash and cause field fires. Amateurs!
rainking187
Member
Taken today, provided without comment:
He's just a little tired.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
I've seen the comparison pic before, but I still lose it at Motorized Rollinghams.
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