14: Driving
The way that a foreigner drives is noticeable, and criticized, in any country. Driving entails not just the basic operation of the car, but the way in which a driver interacts with other drivers on the road. There are, in effect, customs associated to driving.
Driving customs in the US differ from one parts of the country to another (EN: a problem in many metropolitan areas is drivers from different parts of the country bring their habits with them, and it takes a while to adjust to local driving styles, so foreign visitors aren't alone in the need to elarn and adjust.) Even so, there are some commonalities that can be discussed to help visitors to be aware in advance.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The US has the highest number of vehicles per person in the world. Except for a few major cities, public transportation ios generally not accessible or sufficient. As a result, a motor vehicle is a necessity for a majorityu of Americans.
In most states, people can obtain a license to drive at the age of sixteen and retain driving privileges so long as they are physically capable of driving safely (specifically, in terms of eyesight). Women are as likely to drive as men.
The incidence and severity of auto accidents are less grave than in some other countries, but are still considered serious. Drunk driving was once considered a serious safety problem, but severe legal penalties have largely been effective in discouraging the practice.
Most roads are public and can be used without paying a fee, though there are some toll roads and private roads, which are generally clearly marked. Ownership of the road system is rather complex, with most roads being owned, maintained, and patrolled by the local government, smaller highways being operated by the state, and major interstate highways being maintained by the federal government but patrolled by the state.
Although traffic rules vary, signage and traffic lights are generally uniform. Most road signs follow an American system, with international signs slowly being introduced in some areas. Highways are generally broad and straight, and except in cities that pre-date the automobile, streets are commonly laid out in a grid pattern. However, the system for numbering or naming streets varies greatly.
The author notes that road conditions vary, with road surfaces depending on local climate and geographic conditions. The quality of road maintenance varies according to financial conditions, and sometimes political considerations as well.
TRAFFIC LAWS
In general, American traffic laws cover the same subjects as traffic laws elsewhere: who may drive, minimum and maximum speeds, turning, parking, interacting at intersections, entering moving traffic, yielding to emergency vehicles, and so on. Licensing of drivers and registration of vehicles is handled by state governments.
Enforcement of traffic laws is done by a pastiche of law enforcement agencies - and in some areas, traffic cameras are used to monitor drivers. For most violations, drivers are issued a "ticket" which imposes a fine they must pay, though a case may be made in traffic court. In most states, "points" accrue on a licensed driver, and frequent or severe violations will eventually lead to a brief suspension driving privileges. Serious infractions may lead to long-term revocation of privileges or even incarceration.
Reflecting the belief that laws can influence improved behavior, there are a number of laws that are not geared toward the safety of other driver, but to the driver and passengers of a vehicle. Many states require seat belts to be used, child safety seats to be used, helmets to be worn by motorcyclists, and other "nanny laws" aimed to improve safety. OF late, some jurisdictions are enacting laws against using cell phones or text messaging devices while driving due to increased incidence of accidents by "distracted drivers." (EN: The author does not mention that as states control auto insurance rates and can negotiate lower premiums for their citizens if they enforce such laws.)
It is not customary, and quite unwise, for drivers to offer money or any other kind of payoff to a law officer who has stopped them. Offering a bribe could lead to more serious legal problems. The typical advice for drivers who have been stopped is to remain calm and respectful, and to refrain from trying to argue your way out of a ticket - any objections should be presented in traffic court.
Laws also prescribe what drivers must do if involved in a traffic accident. In general, the drivers must report the incident to the police, or to remain at the scene until police arrive if a person is injured or significant property damage has resulted.
ATTITUDES ABOUT DRIVING
Regardless of what the written laws may require, the attitudes of drivers have a greater impact on their behavior on the road.
Generally, Americans expect traffic laws to be enforced and are under the assumption that they may be apprehended at any time, As such, they tend to take traffic laws seriously, at all times.
In general, American drivers tend to cooperate with one another and are not competitive or aggressive, and tend to give way to other drivers. In turn, they expect other drivers to obey the rules and be courteous to them, especially in terms of acknowledging right-of-way (which driver is supposed to "go first").
Aggressive driving can be seen, but it is generally not common outside of urban areas, and the problem of "road rage" periodically arises - aggressive or unobservant behavior by one driver causes distress to others, who become frustrated and aggressive in return, and it may escalate until there is an accident of even violence among drivers such as a physical alteration, even up to highway shootings that periodically occur in waves in California.
The general attitude toward safety is that individual drivers are responsible for their own safety and that of other driers around them. A traffic accident is considered to arise from carelessness, irresponsibility, or mechanical failure and not the result of random chance - though they will accept that "accidents happen" if there is no clear indication of cause.
In general, pedestrians are given the right of way, so long as they follow certain rules, such as crossing only at intersections and walking on a sidewalk well away from the roadway - otherwise, they are seen as a nuisance and drivers are less likely to consider their safety when they act in unpredictable ways.
The attitude of drivers toward bicyclists varies. Bicyclists are expected to keep to the side of the road so that faster-moving vehicles may pass them, but to otherwise obey the same traffic laws as vehicles. In areas where bicycles are numerous, or where traffic is thick, the relationship is less harmonious. There may arise considerable aggression, in which bicyclists accuse motorists of being careless and unobservant and motorists perceive bicyclists as self- centered and purposefully provocative.
SUGGESTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
While the notion of driving in a foreign country may seem intimidating, foreign visitors may find it difficult to live in most places without a car. An International Permit is valid only for a short period of time, and there is generally no requirement of citizenship to obtain an American license.
However, foreigners are advised to obtain a drivers' handbook in the location where they will be visiting and to spend some time watching local drivers to get a sense of customary behavior that is often unspecified in the written rules.