Most Helpful Tips for Visitors Driving in the USA

The United States is a right-hand driving country! You probably know what right-hand traffic or left-hand traffic means. Two-way traffic must keep either on the left or right side of the road unless otherwise directed. Sometimes this is called The Rule of the Road. It helps improve traffic flow (your ability to get where you're going quickly) and cuts down on traffic fatalities.

Essential tips for driving in the United States

Roadway signs in the USA commonly use symbols instead of words to communicate with drivers, regardless of language barriers. The color and shape of each sign usually indicate the type of information the sign conveys. Familiarize yourself with traffic sign symbols to maximize your safety when driving in the United States. Visit United States Road Symbol Signs at the Federal Highway Administration website for a full list of signs!

Here's what you need to know if you are planning an American road trip for your next vacation

If you're driving slowly - perhaps just getting used to the traffic - the best lane for you to drive in is the far right lane, if there is more than one lane going in the same direction as you, of course!

When traveling on a freeway or highway, your car should stay in the right lane, unless you're passing another vehicle. There are often signs to remind you of this. However, be aware that on Interstate highways, the right lane within an urban area is sometimes only for existing (leaving) the Interstate at the next opportunity. 

• If you're driving slowly - perhaps just getting used to the traffic - the best lane for you to drive in is the far right lane, if there is more than one lane going in the same direction as you, of course!

• When traveling on a freeway or highway, your car should stay in the right lane, unless you're passing another vehicle. There are often signs to remind you of this. However, be aware that on Interstate highways, the right lane within an urban area is sometimes only for existing (leaving) the Interstate at the next opportunity. 

• If you're at an intersection, American drivers usually defer to the vehicle who arrived at the intersection first. If two vehicles get there at the same time, the driver on the right proceeds, unless stopped by a red STOP or YIELD sign.

• Don't honk your horn, unless you're in a situation where you need to get the attention of another driver or pedestrian. For example, it's okay to honk when another car is about to hit you, but you may find that honking in the USA is less common than in other nations.

• The speed limit in a residential area is often 35 miles per hour (60kph) but is as low as 25 or 30 miles per hour in many areas. On Interstate highways and roads with very little traffic and intersections, the speed limit is commonly 55 miles per hour or greater.

• Based on the information released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about “Traffic Safety Facts 2015: Alcohol-Impaired Driving,” it revealed that 10,265 people have died in drunk driving crashes - one every 51 minutes - and 290,000 were injured in drunk driving crashes. Remember to always make allowances when driving, And never ever exceed the legal blood alcohol limit which is 0.08.

Know the rules for each rental car company for foreign visitors

Keep in mind that each company's terms and conditions will tell you everything you need to know about the company's requirements regarding car rental insurance, driver's license requirements, and whether or not you are allowed to drive the rental car out of the U.S. (to Canada or Mexico).

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