In planning our visit to South Africa, driving on the left side of the road was one of the more concerning things on my mind. About 25 years ago David and I took a trip to Ireland, Scotland and England with my Mom, Dad, Brother and soon to be Sister-in-law. My Dad did most of the driving on that trip, but my Brother Michael, my Mom and I all gave it a try as well. It was terrifying - full stop. But self-driving was foundational to how we were planning to see South Africa on this visit, so I knew I was gonna have to just suck it up and make it happen. After chatting with a co-worker who recently drove in Scotland on vacation, I had gained some confidence that this was do-able as well (thanks Jackie!).
It started when we picked up the rental car, put our bags in the trunk (or boot I suppose) and looked at each other, like, are you driving or am I? Mind you, we’d just gotten off an 11 hour flight that was 5 hours delayed, so we were a bit out of our minds. David said he’d drive, but he was already on the wrong side of the car, so I took the wheel.
So here are some of the unexpected, strange, muscle memory experiences we’ve been having while self-driving on the left side of the road so far…
“Stay left” is our mantra, but “look right” has become just as important!
It takes two Americans to drive safely on the left side of the road (there’s gotta be a joke there someplace!)
One-way streets - where do I drive?!?!?
An initial question upon departing the airport on the highway - is the fast lane still on the inside?
The rear view mirror is rarely getting used, I just cannot seem to train my brain to look for it on my left - don’t ask, it’s just not happening. But as a passenger, David and I continue to look for it!
While sitting in the driver seat, my muscle memory continues to want to disengage the seatbelt on my right. Follow me here, I turn off the car with my right hand, as usual. The keys are then in my right hand, so my left arm wants to disengage the seatbelt on my right!
Turn signal: we keep signaling with our windshield wipers (do I need to explain this one?)
When making a u-turn, yes, you also stay left
Parallel parking - need I say more?
And don’t get either of us started on roundabouts
I wish I could just take a nap while David drives, but alas, not in the cards for now.
P.S. send us texts, emails, photos - we’ll be sharing our life on the road, please share your life with us as well - miss you already!
If you think driving on the right its hard, try it with a manual! Now THAT was fun.
Doug B
We (I mean Don!) have been doing a lot of driving in Ireland this year and last and the mantra that helps me deal with turning onto roads is “tight left, wide right.” It is stressful. Have a wonderful trip!