Jim

Driving In France - A Keep Right Head Up Display 2015-04-26

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Jim

Jim

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Adria Panel Van.
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Jim submitted a new resource:

Keep Right Head Up Display - Driving on the Right in France.

At Peterborough Show I was talking to someone who said they would love to go to France but were petrified about driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. That is a shame, there really is nothing to worry about. But, I realise for some this is a real issue and stopping them from visiting one of the most motorhome friendly countries in the world.

Fact is, most everyone driving on the 'wrong side' is pretty safe as they are concentrating so much :D and after the first couple of junctions and...
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Much the same in the Faroes, all in the middle, not that I'd take the motorhome there.
 
The best advice that I was given in 2007 for our very first trip to France was keep your bum in the gutter (if you're driving a right hand drive vehicle) . This worked fine for me.

John.

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I don't profess to be a great driver but I've been driving "on the right" for a goodly number of years and in a goodly number of countries so maybe it comes more naturally to me now than it might do for first timers.
In my experience, the greatest risk of suddenly finding yourself driving on the wrong side is when you do a maneuver like a U Turn or when pulling out of somewhere like a gas station. So so easy to find that habit has kicked in and you start off on the wrong side.
 
Good Idea Jim. I usually scribble it down on a bit of paper and leave where I can see it, just as a reminder.
I will print this out and give it a try in June.
For those who are a bit nervous I think you will find that whilst driving on a road with lane markings and other traffic it soon becomes "normal". Where we all must be extra careful is pulling out of garages, supermarkets etc onto the road, it can be easy to pull out onto the wrong side if you don't concentrate! Also remember that the traffic travelling closest to you is now coming from the left so look left first!!
Hope that helps.
 
I find a medium sized pink object placed in passenger seat is good. I acquired one of these nearly 43 years ago. I am frequently reminded of my shortcomings. When following a lorry or tractor in France, if I pull out there is invariably an ear piercing warning to get back in.

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Got it wrong once in Canada! Came up the exit ramp from the motorway and turned onto the left hand side of the road as there was no traffic about! One of their monster trucks appearing out if a dip soon reminded me to get back on the right hand side of the road!
 
I remember a holiday in France when I was 15. Dad was worrying about a strange noise from the engine and seeing a car park over to our left pulled across and stopped to investigate. Having fiddled beneath the bonnet and satisfied that all appeared to be in order we set off, Dad still listening to the engine.....I will never forget the look on the face of the driver of the 2cv that we very nearly hit head on! Lack of concentration meant Dad had pulled out onto the left!
I have since driven extensively in Europe and must have instilled a sense of confidence in my eldest son, who after passing his driving test in November 13 took his girlfriend to Eurodisney in the March! in the July drove to meet us in the middle of France, and then in October drove to visit his brother in North Germany. He's not 21 yet! So, if any of you are feeling unsure of whether you can do it, take heart. This is a lad who can't even keep his room tidy!
 
Thanks Jim(y) we are going to France for the first time end of May and must admit this is summit that has been playing on my mind:unsure:
 
Gerri19 said:
I remember a holiday in France when I was 15. Dad was worrying about a strange noise from the engine and seeing a car park over to our left pulled across and stopped to investigate. Having fiddled beneath the bonnet and satisfied that all appeared to be in order we set off, Dad still listening to the engine.....I will never forget the look on the face of the driver of the 2cv that we very nearly hit head on! Lack of concentration meant Dad had pulled out onto the left!
I have since driven extensively in Europe and must have instilled a sense of confidence in my eldest son, who after passing his driving test in November 13 took his girlfriend to Eurodisney in the March! in the July drove to meet us in the middle of France, and then in October drove to visit his brother in North Germany. He's not 21 yet! So, if any of you are feeling unsure of whether you can do it, take heart. This is a lad who can't even keep his room tidy!
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I still can't :LOL: I must be a lad:p
 
Last year 8 weeks in France and Spain no problems at all.

Came home and went to test a new tandem cycle, came out of the shop entrance and happily riding down the wrong side of the road untill the back seat rider suggested that as we are now in the UK etc etc, oops.
 
Absolutely agree with the thought in your mind - Drive in the gutter.
And the moment you leave the petrol station or supermarket and your brain is on UK autopilot - that's the danger time. If you have a note saying Drive on the right and put it in the middle of the steering wheel as you get out it's an instant reminder on your return.
 
Agree with all the hints and tips, however, surely the most obvious reminder as you're pulling out of a supermarket or filling station is to watch the traffic! It's a dead giveaway....the fact that they are all driving on the right.....

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Gerri19 said:
Agree with all the hints and tips, however, surely the most obvious reminder as you're pulling out of a supermarket or filling station is to watch the traffic! It's a dead giveaway....the fact that they are all driving on the right.....
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That's only okay if there is traffic. If there isn't any then the first you remember is when you come round the bend on the "wrong side" of the road and then meet someone.:(
 
wizzer59 said:
Thanks Jim(y) we are going to France for the first time end of May and must admit this is summit that has been playing on my mind:unsure:
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It did mine until I went and trust me after a few miles you will be surprised just how quickly you get 'reprogrammed'. It put me off for years - wished I hadn't been a wuss as it's fantastic over there and there's nothing to worry about.
 
Whenever I approach a junction, set off from being parked etc etc etc

I say to myself

Left's lethal, right's alright

Works for me
 
Great idea!
I made myself a card to hang over the sun visor with a big arrow on it together with the speed limit conversions and height/width in metric.
and as already been said be very careful when u get back.
I drove for 3 hours on the motorway - came off at a rural junction that had a simple t junction - i needed to turn left so did just that then had that :eek: moment and got back onto the right side of the road.

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GeriactricWanderer said:
In my experience, the greatest risk of suddenly finding yourself driving on the wrong side is when you do a maneuver like a U Turn or when pulling out of somewhere like a gas station. So so easy to find that habit has kicked in and you start off on the wrong side.
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Exactly.
 
Having driven on both sides of the road since my 20s (some 40 odd years ago) these days road signs and layouts make it extremely easy. The ONLY times you need to be on your guard is starting off and turning left (there) and right (here) at junctions in all three cases if there is no other traffic. If that makes sense :)

Dick
 
We all ways us the term. (Driver hugs the curb) when on the continent,it's always worked for us.
Alan
 
Chuffed, I only produced that on a whim and it's had 45 downloads in a day :)
 

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