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Driving

Car Rental Florida - Driving Tips : 1st November 2009

Car Hire

Firstly make sure you are driving on the right hand side of the road!
Keep your driver licence and car rental documents with you at all times.
Watch your speed as restrictions are strictly enforced.
Turn on your wipers and headlights when it rains.
Book a vehicle large enough to accommodate your entire luggage and leave space for the shopping.
When navigating remember the street sign facing you at a junction is the name of the road you are crossing - not the one you are on.
Most roads have numbers and names and run East / West or North / South.
Plan your route and hire a Satellite Navigation system.
Overtaking on the inside is common practice, so watch out for cars on either side of you.
If you are stopped by law enforcement, remain in the car and let the officer come to you, unless directed otherwise by the officer.

Traffic Signals What They Mean
Traffic lights are suspended on wires above eye level.
Red Light; Come to a complete stop.
Yellow Light; Stop if you can.
Green Light; Go.

Flashing Red Light; Stop.
Flashing Yellow Light; Move forward with caution.
Non-Operating Signals; Treat as a four way stop.

Tolls
If you are going to be travelling in areas of Florida where tolls will be collected consider investing in a Sun Pass available from the Car Rental Companies. The Sun Pass will allow you to drive through Tolls without stopping. Pre paying ahead saves you looking for change at the tolls, speeds your journey and can be more cost effective.

Seat Belts
Drivers and front seat passengers must wear seat belts.
All persons under the age of 18 must wear a seat belt or be in a child safety seat no matter where they are riding in the motor vehicle.
Children under 8 should ride in a booster seat.
All children aged 3 and younger must sit in either a crash tested federally approved child restraint device available from the Car Rental companies or vehicle manufactured integrated child seat.
Infants should ride in a child safety seat and in the rear facing position until they are one year old and weigh at least 30 ponds.

School Bus
On a two-way street or highway, all drivers moving either direction must stop when approaching a school bus with its lights activated and the stop sign displayed.

On a divided highway, raised barrier or unpaved median (at least 5 feet wide), drivers do not have to stop if moving in the opposite direction of the bus.

Driving Under the Influence
In Florida you must be 21 years of age to purchase, consume or possess alcohol.
Open containers of alcoholic beverages are not allowed within vehicles in Florida.
Do NOT Drink and Drive - not only is this sensible but punishments are severe.

Move Over Law for Emergency Vehicles
When approaching emergency vehicles with emergency lights on, motorists are required to move over one lane away from the emergency vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
On a two- lane road, drivers must reduce speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
If you cannot move over safely, you must reduce your speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.

If a Law Enforcement Officer pulls you over
Slowly and carefully pull off the road.
At night, turn on your interior light or stop in a well lit area.
Remain in your vehicle unless asked to do otherwise.
Driving in Work Zones
Stay alert and don't change lanes.
Turn on your headlights.
Speeding fines are doubled in work zones when workers are present.

Accidents
If you are in a crash you must stop.
Be prepared to give your name, address vehicle registration, proof of insurance and driver licence details to others involved in the crash or law enforcement upon request.
If the crash causes injury, death or property damage, the incident must be reported to law enforcement.

Finally
Enjoy the vehicles, the wide open spaces, get out and see the Real Florida not just the Theme Parks!