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uh oh - european roads... now what? (tips)
IN BRIEF:
note: nothing contained within the 'lessons' is fiction.
so for those of you who never driven in europe before, i'd like to share with you how it is...
first, i'd like to start off and say that if you take all the people in canada and let them drive in europe, only 25% will survive. this is because 50% will kill eachother off crashing, 25% dont know how to drive stick, and lets say that leaves 25%.
ok, so say you're one of the lucky 25%. and you are able to get around, but are pissing people off, and not making the most of the roads available to you...
LESSON #1: [passing]
no no, this isn't the kind of lame passing done on alberta highways, where people still don't know how to do it properly. the majority of roads in europe are two way traffic 'highways'. one lane in each direction, with a shoulder on each side.
so here is a pic of what cars look like driving along...
NOW, lets say you want to pass... well, if there is no opposing traffic, lucky you, give 'er. if there is, you better start passing, or others will pass you!!! seriously.
to start, make sure nobody is passing coming in the opposite direction, if not, you are ok, turn on your left blinker, and slowly make your way towards the center divider... (keep your blinker on this WHOLE time). you will notice opposing traffic notices this and they start moving over onto their shoulder, now go!!! pass as many cars as you can, with your blinker on. the most important thing to watch out for is if cars aren't passing coming from the opposite direction, if so, you will have to merge back into your lane. keep looking far ahead, analyze the road, check for gaps, if need be, you can safely merge into your lane, because as for now, you are your own lane. once you are satisfied, merge, by flicking the right blinker. once merged, flash your hazards twice as a sign of appreciation.
so its done something like:
zoomed:
now, if you've never done this before, being canadian or american, and sum everything from the above pic, you will have **** in your pants, literally.
other notes:
-you will get the occasional semi truck which will not get out of your way, because he is bigger than you, and more intimidating. so too bad for you, time to play dodge ball.
-sometimes cars will not be able to get out of your way, due to bicyclists on the shoulders (yes, they are allowed). everyone is supposed to share the road, so make sure before you start passing, the shoulders are clear for both directions, otherwise you will have no room to get through.
-keep close to the car you are passing, as if there is a car approaching you from behind at speed, he will pass you! if this is the case, opposing traffic will move over as far as they possibly can for that car to fit in, but this is rare. pic:
now thats tight! i like it tight baby! thats about it. if you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. :thumbsup:
real life pics:
MORE LESSONS TO COME LATER!
note: nothing contained within the 'lessons' is fiction.
so for those of you who never driven in europe before, i'd like to share with you how it is...
first, i'd like to start off and say that if you take all the people in canada and let them drive in europe, only 25% will survive. this is because 50% will kill eachother off crashing, 25% dont know how to drive stick, and lets say that leaves 25%.
ok, so say you're one of the lucky 25%. and you are able to get around, but are pissing people off, and not making the most of the roads available to you...
LESSON #1: [passing]
no no, this isn't the kind of lame passing done on alberta highways, where people still don't know how to do it properly. the majority of roads in europe are two way traffic 'highways'. one lane in each direction, with a shoulder on each side.
so here is a pic of what cars look like driving along...
NOW, lets say you want to pass... well, if there is no opposing traffic, lucky you, give 'er. if there is, you better start passing, or others will pass you!!! seriously.
to start, make sure nobody is passing coming in the opposite direction, if not, you are ok, turn on your left blinker, and slowly make your way towards the center divider... (keep your blinker on this WHOLE time). you will notice opposing traffic notices this and they start moving over onto their shoulder, now go!!! pass as many cars as you can, with your blinker on. the most important thing to watch out for is if cars aren't passing coming from the opposite direction, if so, you will have to merge back into your lane. keep looking far ahead, analyze the road, check for gaps, if need be, you can safely merge into your lane, because as for now, you are your own lane. once you are satisfied, merge, by flicking the right blinker. once merged, flash your hazards twice as a sign of appreciation.
so its done something like:
zoomed:
now, if you've never done this before, being canadian or american, and sum everything from the above pic, you will have **** in your pants, literally.
other notes:
-you will get the occasional semi truck which will not get out of your way, because he is bigger than you, and more intimidating. so too bad for you, time to play dodge ball.
-sometimes cars will not be able to get out of your way, due to bicyclists on the shoulders (yes, they are allowed). everyone is supposed to share the road, so make sure before you start passing, the shoulders are clear for both directions, otherwise you will have no room to get through.
-keep close to the car you are passing, as if there is a car approaching you from behind at speed, he will pass you! if this is the case, opposing traffic will move over as far as they possibly can for that car to fit in, but this is rare. pic:
now thats tight! i like it tight baby! thats about it. if you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. :thumbsup:
real life pics:
MORE LESSONS TO COME LATER!
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