British roads are some of the safest in the world. A study in 2010 that compared more than thirty countries found that 3.8 people per one hundred thousand died in traffic accidents in the UK. This number was lower than any other country. So, what did British drivers do to achieve this? What are they doing differently? Here’re five top tips for drivers who are planning a trip to the UK.
1. LEFT IS BEST
People in Britain drive on the left side of the road. In fact, a long time ago people drove on the left in most countries, but now only a few countries do this. Don’t forget that this also means you must drive the other way around roundabouts.
2. BE POLITE
British people feel that waiting should be fair for everybody. If you are in a queue of traffic, then don’t try to push past the vehicles in front of yours. This is called ‘jumping the queue’. You must wait for your turn; otherwise people may get angry with you.
3. RED MEANS RED
You must stop at traffic lights when they are red. In many countries, it is OK to go past red lights if you are turning a corner or if there isn’t any other traffic around. In the UK you could have lots of trouble if you do this.
4. NO HONKING
If another driver flashes their car’s lights at you then they are probably trying to tell you that they will wait for you to go first. British people don’t like to use their car horn much and they think people who do so are rude.
5. BRIBERY IS A CRIME
If you are involved in an accident then don’t try to pay the police. The police in the UK never take money, and if you try to offer them some you could end your holiday visiting a British prison!