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Driving Tips in Switzerland for First Time Drivers
September 3, 2007
1. The vehicles are left hand drive - similar to US - so you drive on the right side of the road.
2. Manual transmission cars are more readily available for rent than automatic ones - If you need automatic car for rental, be sure to specify in advance. They are usually about 30% more expensive to rent.
3. The speed limits are in Km/Hr
4. Ausfahrt is the German word for exit - Useful while driving in the freeways.
5. When you see a series of white triangles on the road, it means "Yield" to oncoming traffic.
6. At many places you will see roundabouts - they are similar in function to the Stop signs in US. The vehicles entering the roundabout should yield to the ones already making the round.
7. On 100Km/Hr freeways, people usually drive at around 110 to 120.
8. Blue signs means slow, green means fast - If on a direction board, you see the name of the place in blue as well as green, take the direction in green to get to the place faster. The blue one will have lower speed limit roads.
9. Diesel cars are common, so be sure you fill in the right fuel.
10. Do not begin your driving experience in Germany with a drive into Zurich city area - the place is confusing with cars not allowed through many roads. Once you have a couple of days experience driving in Switzerland, then venturing into Zurich city area is OK. By Zurich city area, I do not mean the airport but the real "city" area - Fraumunster and surrounding places. Parking is also difficult here.
11. If you are lost, stop and ask for directions. Most of the people know some English and are very helpful. They will gladly give you the required information to get you on our way.
Posted by liveit at September 3, 2007 11:51 AM