Florida Villas and Vacation Rentals
Driving In Florida.
For many prospective visitors to the Sunshine State, the thought of driving in an unfamiliar environment on the opposite side of the road after a long flight is a cause for real concern. However it isn’t until you have been there for a couple of days, travelling to and from your villa, that drivers realise that it is actually no harder than driving back at home, and in some cases it is actually easier, due to its slower pace. So in an effort to allay some of those fears, here are a few straightforward pieces of practical advice.
- After taking possession of your hire car, make sure to carry out a visual inspection of it, marking down any damage. In the event of you finding any significant, damage simply return to the rental area and inform the staff.
- Before you set off on your onward journey to your villa, ensure that you are aware of the location of the main instruments including windscreen wipers and indicators etc. This will avoid unnecessary concerning the event of a heavy shower.
- The most common problem encountered by foreign visitors is the vehicles handbrake system, which in most vehicles comprises of an extra foot pedal and a release leaver. To apply the handbrake simply push down on the appropriate foot pedal, and to release locate and pull the leaver.
- In the event of driving during heavy rain, the vehicle headlights must be illuminated. This is compulsory, and failure to do so may result in a fine.
- Seat belts must be worn at all times by the driver and all other front seat passengers. All passengers under the age of 18 must wear a seat belt or restrained by other means such as a recognised child restraint device/seat.
- In Florida it is perfectly legal to turn right on a red traffic light, provided that there is no oncoming traffic, or a road sign telling you otherwise.
- Drink driving is prohibited, and is known in America as driving under the influence (DUI). The best advice is, if you drink alcohol, do not drive. Even one drink of alcohol can affect your driving. With two or more drinks in your bloodstream you are classed as being impaired, and you could be arrested.
- Do not park anywhere other than a designated parking area. Failure to do so may result in your vehicle being towed away. American vehicles have a licence plate (number plate) fitted to the rear only. This must be on show at all times when stationary. Therefore reverse parking is not permitted.
- Under taking is allowed, and is frequently practised by other road users. Care should be taking when moving to the right from another lane.
- Generally, a driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction (front or back) a stopped school bus flashing alternating red lamps must stop and not go again until the bus moves again or the red lights are off.
If Your Vehicle Breaks Down:
- Signal, slow down gradually, and carefully pull off the road on to the shoulder.
- Switch on emergency/safety flashers.
- Raise vehicle hood
- Never stand behind or directly in front of your vehicle.
- Remain in your vehicle unless you think your vehicle may be struck from behind.
Call *FHP, or wait for assistance.
If A Law Enforcement Officer Pulls You Over:
- Pull slowly and carefully off the road or to the closest shoulder of the road.
- At night, turn on your interior light or if possible, stop in a well lit area.
- Remain in your vehicle unless asked to do otherwise.
Not forgetting the issue of childrens car seats, here is the Florida law on the matter.
“All children 5 years of age or younger must be properly restrained no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child safety seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. (FL Statute 316.613).”
If you can offer any more hints or tips about driving in Florida, or perhaps you have a question, then please feel free to add a comment.
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