pdf file needed plz

[marg21]

can any 1 help us we need a pdf file off the usa traffic signs etc as we have never driven there before and are next yr thanx

[Susan Veness]

I don't have a pdf file, but if you take a look at this website it has all the traffic signs (and more!) you are likely to encounter in the US. Click on each description (Regulatory Signs, Warning Signs, etc) for a picture of all the signs under that category.

http://www.trafficsign.us/

To be honest, the signs you are most likely to see in Orlando are the basics: Stop sign, speed limit sign, No U Turn, Do Not Enter, One Way, No Parking......

Most are self-descriptive and you won't wonder what they mean even if you have never seen them before. Some that might catch you out are the School Crossing signs (a big person and a little person, but no text), which means you need to slow down and watch for children. Another is the divided highway sign, which has an arrow pointing one way, an arrow pointing the other way and a weird blob with a curve on one side, flat on the other side. that just means the highway has a median in the center but has traffic going each way on either side of the median.

Some things you may run into while driving that no one has probably prepared you for are:

-when you hear an ambulance or fire truck siren, you MUST pull over to the side of the road (not in the center of the road...to the SIDE!) and you must come to a complete stop until it has passed
-if you somehow get stuck behind a big yellow school bus, you MUST stop when it has both tail-lights flashing. Stay well back from it and wait for the flashers to go off. Never, ever pass by a school bus when it's stopped or has its flashers going.
-You can turn right on a red light when traffic has cleared UNLESS there is a sign saying No Right On Red.
-When you come to a 4-way stop (our solution to the round-about issue), stop. If anyone has reached the 4 way stop before you, they go first, no matter where they are in the 4 way junction. You then take turns on a first-come/first-served rotation. If you are not sure who got there first, make eye contact with the other driver, then wave them through. They will probably wave at you first, and if so, proceed through the intersection. It's a 'be nice to each other' sort of situation, and most drivers will be nice. :)

Anyone else have any experience with driving snafus that may catch you up?

[marg21]

thanx susan we ave got over a yr 2 wait 2 come back but thought we would give it a go 4 a change

[Susan Veness]

Oh! And the obvious thing that isn't always obvious to tourists for some strange reason is, NEVER EVER argue with a police officer. EVER. It's a sure way to set yourself up for being slapped into handcuffs and hauled off to a holding pen. If (heaven forbid!!) you get pulled over by a Sheriff, it's even more important you remain polite (we have several designations of officer here and the Sheriff isn't one to mess with). Explain your case calmly and respectfully if you feel you have been pulled over in error, but remain as polite as you have ever been, and then some. You certainly have the right to give your side, but do it calmly and politely.

If you get a ticket you feel is in error, you WILL have the chance to argue your point to the judge. That's the time to make your case loudly (but respectfully), not when you're looking at an officer or (*shudder*) a Sheriff. Not that anyone here will ever be in that position, but bear in mind if you do get a ticket the officer who pulled you over has to show up at court if you contest the ticket. If they don't, the ticket will be dismissed.

[Susan Veness]

marg21, I think you'll find driving here is quite easy. Simon is like a 15 year old who's just about to get their driving permit when he drives here. It's just a real joy for him to drive in the US.

But I may know how you feel. When I think about driving in the UK I break out in hives. It's just so disorienting (I never get car sick, unless I'm riding in a car in the UK...that 'wrong side of the car/road' thing gets me every time!).

I'll send Simon over to give you a pep talk when he gets off the phone. Maybe he can set your mind at ease. :)

[marg21]

no im not that brave susan lol my hubby will be driving and driving over her is easy i dont mind here as thats all i know i tried in france once on a holiday park i only went a little way and that was enough lol

[Simon Veness]

Oh, and they say 'Yield' instead of 'Give way'.

There's nothing to it, really. It is so much easier with an automatic car (and with a left-hand-drive car on these roads, instead of a UK right-hand drive on continental roads), that you soon get comfortable. :)

[Susan Veness]

Try driving in an empty car park over here, marg21. If Simon and I would ever slow down for 2 seconds, I'd love to give it whirl over in the UK, but only in a place where I can't smash into anything. :eek:

You want to know the truth? I think he tells me he likes to drive on our highways just so he can be in control of stopping in at the nearest Steak and Shake.

Shhhhhhh....don't tell him I said that................. :p

[marg21]

lol sounds about right 4 any bloke gotta fill there tums ant they :)
anyway thanx 4 yr help im off now gotta get kids up 4 school in the morning

[Mr Orlando]

dunno about a pdf but try googling "driving in america" or "help driving in america"

[marg21]

will try that aswell thanx mr o

[Mr Orlando]

if you find anything usefull let us all know on here

[marg21]

will do but ant as yet