10 Baffling American Driving Habits That Wouldn’t Fly In The UK
10 Baffling American Driving Habits That Wouldn’t Fly In The UK
Driving habits can vary widely around the world. For someone visiting or moving to the United States, some American driving habits might come as a surprise. From the love of big trucks to the unique rules of the road, these differences can be quite eye-opening. Here are 10 driving habits in the U.S. that often surprise foreigners.
1. Driving for hours can be seen as normal even for mundane things
In the U.S., it’s not uncommon for people to drive several hours just to visit a friend, go shopping, or attend an event. This can seem excessive to foreigners, especially those from countries where destinations are usually closer. Americans are used to vast distances between places, making long drives a normal part of life.
2. Driving at 14 is considered normal
In some states, teenagers can begin driving as young as 14 with a learner’s permit. This concept can be quite shocking for people from countries where the legal driving age is 18 or higher. Early driving is seen as a way for young Americans to gain independence and help out with family errands.
3. Can turn right on red light
Turning right on a red light, after stopping and ensuring the way is clear, is legal in most U.S. states. This rule helps keep traffic moving but can be surprising for those accustomed to stricter traffic regulations where a red light means a complete stop until green.
4. Americans love big trucks
Big trucks are a common sight on American roads. Many people prefer them for their durability, high driving position, and capacity. Foreigners often find the size of these vehicles excessive for daily commuting, but they reflect America’s love for large, powerful cars.
5. Carpool lane on highway to go faster
Carpool lanes, or HOV lanes, are reserved for vehicles with multiple occupants. These lanes are designed to encourage carpooling and can significantly reduce travel time during peak hours. Tourists and new residents might be unfamiliar with this concept but quickly learn the benefits.
6. Cup holders in all cars
Cup holders might seem like a minor feature, but they’re everywhere in American cars. This is a reflection of the on-the-go lifestyle where drinking a coffee or a soda while driving is typical. Visitors often notice the sheer number of cup holders in each vehicle.
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7. Always stopping at the drive in to grab a drink
Drive-through facilities for everything from coffee to banking are prevalent in the U.S. The convenience of getting a drink without leaving your car is something Americans often take for granted, but it can be a novel concept for those from countries where such services are less common.
8. Taking the car even for short drives that could have been a walk
Even for distances that could be easily walked, many Americans prefer to drive. This habit is driven by the availability of parking, the design of cities that prioritize car travel, and a general preference for the comfort of driving over walking.
9. Driving to school even when bus available
Many students in the U.S. choose to drive to school instead of taking the school bus or walking. Driving is often viewed as more convenient and sometimes a status symbol among peers, reflecting the strong car culture in the country.
10. Expecting high schoolers to drive to competitions instead of having them take the bus
In the U.S., it’s common for high schoolers to drive themselves to sports or academic competitions rather than ride in a coach or school bus. This practice supports independence and flexibility in scheduling, though it might seem unusual to those from places where group travel is the norm for such events.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.