USA Driving Essentials?

Question

What essential things should I remember when driving in the USA.

Things like lane changes on freeways/highways etc, general speed limits, courtesy etc

Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

I agree, get a good road atlas of the USA.  You can probably find one at most grocery stores, or a Wal-Mart.  Less that 10 bucks.  

Always signal when you change lanes.  Not everyone signals, but it's good.  

Most exits on the freeways are on the right side; rarely on the left side.  

I've heard that in some states you can't turn right at a traffic light when the light is red.  In all the states I've been to, you can turn right as long as it's clear.  

Honking either means you want to alert someone about something, or you're angry.  

If someone does something nice for you, like let you into a lane when there's lots of traffic or something, it's nice to give a friendly wave.  

Where I live, and probably in most states, it's okay to go about 5mph above the speed limit without getting pulled over by a policeman.  But I've heard that in Oregon they're really strict about going the limit.  

That's all I can think of right now.  Advice may vary depending on where you're from.  

Answer 2

Never drive without insurance.

Answer 3

Always signal when you change lanes.

Don't go over the speed limit (you might be able to get away with 3-5mph more but try and stick to it) I know that in some countries in Europe it's not important but here you will get pulled over for it.

Don't go too much under the speed limit either. You can get pulled over for that too plus it makes other drivers mad.

Always have insurance.

Don't brake on the freeway unless you really need to.

Pull to the side of the road if you see an ambulance/fire truck with flashing lights and sirens until they pass you so that they have room to move.

You can right turn on red lights unless there is a sign saying otherwise.

Answer 4

Hmm...I don't drive too often but I think I can help you out on one thing. Where I live, in Minnesota, the speed limit is generally 55-65 mph, depending on which highway you're on. Also, the highest mph sign I've seen on a freeway is 70 mph. Hope this helps :)

Answer 5

buy a good USA road atlas, it will have most of the info you need and numbers to call for individual states specific laws.  all you really need is a license, proof of insurance and a debit/credit card