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Driving in Hawaii
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Road Safety
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Traffic
rules in Hawaii are not much different than anywhere else on the
World. But travelers need to be prepared for heavy traffic in and round
Honolulu, specially during rush hours. Below we have listed some
important rules that may differ from your home country.
- LEFT TURNS AT JUNCTIONS
Never make a left turn at a junction without first giving way to all
oncoming traffic. Some intersections have a green arrow signal. Only a
green arrow gives you the right of way - a normal green light does
not.
- OVERTAKING ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT On
most multi lane routes you can overtake on the left and the right.
This calls for greater lane discipline but you are very unlikely to
find the sort of moronic behavior that you see on British Motorways.
When you want to change lanes, INDICATE and you will find that the
vehicle behind will let you in.
- TRAFFIC JOINING EXPRESSWAYS It is
common practice in the US for drivers joining Expressways to expect to
be let into gaps in the traffic without stopping. Access lanes can
quickly become exit lanes on some roads, so please be careful!
- EXIT LANES ON EXPRESSWAYS On
Expressways and Freeways the lanes on either side can be EXIT lanes.
If your Route is carrying you straight through then stay in the MIDDLE
LANES to avoid meeting the sign that says "THIS LANE MUST
EXIT".
- EXIT MARKERS ON EXPRESSWAYS Unlike
British Motorways there is no series of countdown signs warning that
there is an exit coming. Keep your eyes peeled!
- SCHOOL BUSES Please note that you are
not allowed to overtake a yellow school bus from either direction on a
two-way street when it is stationary with flashing red lights.
- ACCIDENTS Your Rental Agreement states
that if you are involved in a road accident, you must remain at the
scene and call the Police. If you fail to do this, or are found liable
for the accident, Dollar will cancel your Rental Agreement and are not
obliged to supply you with a replacement vehicle.
SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS WHEN DRIVING
- SEAT BELTS All passengers should wear
seat belts at all times. Florida law requires seat belts for all front
seat passengers, regardless of age. Children up to the age of four are
required to be in a safety car seat. Children aged four and five must
be in a safety seat or wear a seat belt. California law requires seat
belts for all rear passengers as well.
- HEADLIGHTS Turn on your headlights at
dusk, in fog, or in rain (mandatory in Florida). Be especially careful
while driving during or after rainfall. Slippery road conditions can
cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- DRINK DRIVING U.S. Drink Driving laws
are stricter than the U.K. and we recommend If you plan to drink, to
take along a designated driver who will remain alcohol free. Please
note that a Drink Driving offence would invalidate your car insurance
and mean that your car would be taken away by Dollar.
- PLAN YOUR ROUTE Use a map to plan your
route before you venture out. Good maps of most local areas in the USA
are available cheaply from most British book shops, or from the lobby
kiosk/gift shop at most of our hotels. Plan your route carefully. If
you're uncomfortable about travel to, or through a particular
neighborhood, ask our Representative or at your hotel front desk for
safety pointers.
- LOCK YOUR DOORS If you find yourself in
an area that makes you feel 'uncomfortable' keep your doors and
windows locked.
- ON YOUR JOURNEY Do not respond to
strangers telling you that "Your trunk is open" or "on
fire". If your car is "bumped" by someone only stop at
a public area such as a petrol station before exchanging insurance
details. Never take "short cuts" unless you are familiar
with the area that you will driving through.
- SECURITY Always lock your vehicle. Lock
valuables in the trunk, glove box or luggage compartment so they are
out of sight. Secure your valuables: Jewellery, cash, cameras and
travel documents in your hotel safe. Only take necessary valuables
when traveling.
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR AMERICAN CAR
- There is liquid dripping from underneath
the engine of my car! If the liquid is clear then it is simply
condensation from the air conditioning unit of your car.
- The key will not turn in the ignition!
Most cars are equipped with a steering wheel lock mechanism and the
key will not turn in the ignition unless the wheel is free. To take
the wheel out of the lock position, turn the wheel from right to left
while simultaneously turning the ignition key.
My car will not start! Make sure the gear lever is in the P for
PARK position. The car will only start if the gear lever is in this
position.
- My gear lever won't go into the D for DRIVE
position! Make sure the brake pedal is depressed before shifting
from PARK to DRIVE.
- My key won't come out of the ignition!
Make sure the gear lever is in the PARK position and the steering
wheel is locked. Some cars have a key release button next to the
ignition.
The doors keep locking us in after we pull away! This is an added
safety feature on many cars and is perfectly normal. You can normally
open all the locks by using the "power locks" lever in the
driver's door if fitted to your vehicle.
- I've locked my keys in the boot! This
is your responsibility. Find the number of a local locksmith in the
Yellow Pages and they will normally come and sort you out (get a quote
first!). If you call Dollar they will recommend a reliable locksmith
for you.
For
more general information
on Hawaii, go to: |
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For more regional
information on Hawaii, go to: |
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For
more product information
on Hawaii, go to: |
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For
our special offers to Hawaii from Europe, go to:
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These
specials are individual tour packages, including the roundtrip flights from
Europe, interisland flights, hotels, transfers and rental cars. Another option is to create your own package to
the Hawaii by utilizing the separate travel components, like
hotels,
flights,
Car rental
and
excursions
on the islands. |
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