An amazing thing just happened while I was watching the boob tube. I had a thought!
Since not all European countries drive on the same side of the road, what happens when you go on vacation, leave a country where you drive on the left side of the road, go into a country where you must then drive on the right side of the road? What is the actual interchange like that makes this transition? I have visions of an intersection where all the oncoming traffic play "bumper cars" till you all just sort it out. (Yeah, I've got too much time on my hands while I'm sitting here waiting to go to my night shift.)

 

There's nowhere I can think of in Europe where there's a land border between countries that drive on the left and the right (UK, Eire, Malta all being islands, Aus, NZ, Japan also) but I think there are some places in Asia or Africa it might happen.

My first experience of driving on the "wrong" side was getting off the ferry at Zeebrugge in Belgium having come from my native England. The moment you leave the port you're faced with a roundabout. Nothing like being thrown in at the deep end!

potfish

 

What happens when you drive to Greece? I thought that in Greece, they drive on the opposite side of the road from you. Somewhere along the way, you must have to switch over.

 

Good question! A sudden change like that must be a worry! Can't think of anywhere it happens but I guess it must. For us, we have plenty of time crossing the channel to think about the changeover at the other side!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]
What happens when you drive to Greece?

 

Driving in Europe is like driving in the US. Speed is only measured in kilometers per hour instead of miles.
Only those island people still drive on the wrong side . The Brits have to change their currency, measurements and driving experiences sometime if they want to become real EURO .

 

Wow! That is a lot of info. Thanks. I guess a better way to put it might be: What if you were to take the "Chunnel"? What happens when you emerge at the other end where those people drive on the "other" side of the road? How do they get the traffic to change sides?

 

Eurotunnel uses trains to get you through the channel which makes things a bit easier. We used it for the first time this year and its really a very smooth transition, basically as you get off the train all the roads are on that countries rules, you never have to swop lanes or anything.

 

Haven't seen it myself, but it happens in one country, namely China.
People drive on the right side in China, but on the left in Hong Kong.

 

Good Lord, man! This is truly a frightening thought! A bloody great bunch of ornamentals behind the wheels of mobs of autos facing each other down in opposing traffic!