Mayday Vehicle Hire: Tips for Driving on the ‘Right Side’ or the ‘Wrong Side’ of the Road

If you’re travelling abroad this year, the chances are you will need to hire a car. Approximately 70% of the world drives on the right, and with different highway codes, driving etiquette and unfamiliar surroundings this can prove difficult.

Driving on ‘the wrong side of the road’ can be awkward, so here’s our useful tips to cope when you drive abroad.

Slow and steady wins the race

For your first time in the car you may want to drive around your hotel/holiday rentals carpark or drive up and down the same bit of road. Being aware of your surroundings before you make a journey will make you more comfortable. The worst thing to do is go into a busy place, attempt maneuvers or try to find your way around a place you do not know. Instead, check your surroundings and drive safely and slowly before going all out.

Drive with someone

Having someone else you know in the car with you could make you feel a little calmer and can be useful. They can help you out by acting as a second pair of eyes, navigating, checking your surroundings and helping you in difficult situations. This means you can focus on the cars and roads around you more efficiently.

Make yourself aware

With different surroundings, you are likely to be stressed in the car. The best way to minimise this is to have a walk around the local area and familiarise yourself with what is and isn’t normal on the roads. You should also check the driving laws in the country and speed limits.

The overtake

Everything else is back to front, so of course so is overtaking. Remember to be wary of the left-hand side of your car, the blind spot over your left shoulder and your left-hand mirror. If you are driving abroad, we know you are a good driver, but you never know who is around you, so stay safe.

The roundabouts

As with overtaking, roundabouts can be tricky, going from clockwise to anti-clockwise might seem crazy, but once you’ve navigated one you will be able to navigate them all. As with overtaking, be wary of the left-hand side and always give way.

Pedestrian crossings and walkways

Certain towns or cities may have pedestrianised areas, like in the U.K., these are easy to spot. However, there will be the chance of pedestrians in areas you would not expect, so always expect the unexpected when driving overseas.

Take a break

Driving the opposite way around is more tiring and worrying. It is vital that you make regular rest-points, especially if you are doing a long journey. Be sure to limit fatigue and stress by taking much needed breaks.

We hope this post will be helpful to you. Happy travelling.