The following is by no means a comprehensive
guide to the rules and regulations on driving in Florida.
But is more of a personal recollection of my experiences
during the many times I have driven in Sunshine State.
For some of you this maybe your first
go at driving in the USA. Maybe you're concerned at
how you will manage driving on the right hand side of
the road.
What about junctions! Traffic lights! Toll roads! Overtaking
on both sides!
How will I manage?
Firstly do a bit of research, your reading
this so you've already started.
On the Flight
I have found that most of the airlines
that I have flown with give a short video presentation
on driving in Florida during the flight, take the time
out and give it your full attention. I found this most
useful especially on my first trip. It is also good
as it gives you up to date information.
At the Rental Car Park
My first recommendation is familiarisation
of your rental vehicle.
Walk around your rental vehicle and get to grips with
its size.
Read the vehicle user manual to find out about the air
con / demisting, the indicators, the window wipers and
lights. Better to take the time and get to know how
it all works before you set off on your journey. You
will have enough to concentrate on without trying to
find out how to turn on the wipers when it starts to
rain.
Look at your map and plan your route before
you start your journey. Most holiday home owners will
give you a detailed route plan from the airport to their
rental property. If not then I found the rental company
personnel were very helpful if you asked for a route
plan to your rental area.
On the road
When you start your journey please pay
attention to all traffic signs and note that the speed
limits are lower in Florida than in the UK. When driving
on the interstate traffic will pass you on both sides
so pay attention to your mirrors and always check before
moving lanes.
Road signs for turn offs are displayed well in advance
so you shouldn't be caught short and miss your turn
off.
Toll roads are normally a bit quieter than the Interstate
so if you're travelling from Sanford Airport to Orlando,
I would recommend the SR 417 toll road.
Toll booths are clearly signed and sectioned into lanes
for pass holders, exact change and change given. Most
of the main toll booths are manned but exact change
is required for some of the booths that exit the SR
417 as you near Orlando.
Driving in Orlando is very straight forward.
Junctions are clearly marked with guide lines painted
on the road, making left and right turns easy.
Traffic signals are suspended above you. Be aware that
signal changes are very quick so be ready to stop if
required.
Road signs are also suspended above you as you drive
along the road. The signs are not the road you are on
but the road that you are crossing.
The best advice I can give is to take
your time and think before you proceed.
If you rush you will make a mistake. Nipping out into
that small gap will lose your concentration and making
that wrong turning will have happened before you know
it.
Best Advice
Enjoy your driving.
Travel throughout the state and see all that Florida
has to offer, not just the theme parks.
But most of all stay safe and have an enjoyable and
memorable holiday.
|