| |
| |
|
Outdoors Information |
|
|
|
Driving in Greece - How Bad is it?
Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe, but they are not the worst - those people know who they are! I have been in driving in Greece for a while now and have witnessed many examples of bad habits on the road, which have shocked my rapidly departing British sensibilities. It is not uncommon for drivers to hoot their horns at traffic lights, even when they are still on red and to fly through red lights. There is a reason of sorts for some of the occasions when the latter occurs. Traffic lights, even in the capital, are not remotely controlled at different times of the day to allow for changes in traffic flow. Therefore in rush hour, for example, there can be dozens of cars waiting to go through a traffic light, which stays green for only ten seconds or less. This results in stressed out drivers sneaking through on red because they are tired of waiting. I have also been surprised on more than one occasion when going down a one-way street, by someone coming at speed in the opposite direction towards me. I have decided that if I ever dent the front of my car, I'll head straight for the next car heading at me the wrong way up a one-way street and let the other guy's insurance company cover it. Sounds good in theory at least. The Greeks seem to have a blatant disregard for their own safety - drivers and pedestrians alike (watch out for Greek grannies walking down the middle of the road with their shopping). Seatbelts are rarely worn and children can often be seen jumping up and down on the back seat, as though they were playing in their rooms, or wedged between two adults on a motorbike. There is very much a "it will never happen to me" mentality, but the statistics show that unfortunately it does happen. I always wear a seatbelt, whether I am driving or I am in someone elses car. It often raises a strange look from Greek taxi drivers, as though you are somehow questioning their ability to drive. A Few Tips Now for some tips. The first and most important one is to just be alert. This will keep you safe on Greek roads 99.99% of the time. I realised recently that I am now no longer just looking at the car in front of me, but I am also unconsciously looking through his windshield at the car in front of him. You will soon develop quicker reactions and a sixth sense for when someone is going to do something unorthodox. Driving in the UK would probably feel positively dull now! Care needs to be taken on roundabouts, because it often seems that the rule is the person who drives most aggressively, regardless of whether they are on the roundabout or entering it, is the one who has priority. Unlike in the UK, when another driver flashes his headlights at you, he is not letting you pass - the opposite is true - he is warning you that he is coming. In built-up areas, go carefully through crossroads, because people do not always respect stop signs and may also have their view of you blocked by cars parked right on the street corner. In response to what I said earlier about red traffic lights, when the lights turn green do not move off without checking that there are no stragglers coming from another junction. When I first arrived in Athens, I thought that the drivers had a slow reaction time when the light turns green lights but now I think, as with driving anywhere, it is safer to take your time. About the author: Emmanuel Mendonca is the webmaster of Greece Travel Articles - a source of interesting articles and information about visiting, living and working in Greece.
MORE RESOURCES:
Outdoors - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Dancing With Whales We've all heard about whalewatching from boats or shore, and a few companies are now offering the possibility of actually swimming and snorkeling with whales in the wild. Is this a good thing?Some whalewatching operators in the Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific islands, advertise the possibility of swimming and snorkeling with humpback whales during the cetacean's annual migration from July to October. The Royal Barge Procession - Splendor on the Chao Phraya River The Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok, conducted on very rare occasions, is a spectacular royal armada on the Chao Phraya River. This procession is normally conducted on the following occasions: When the King ascends the throne. A Review of Popular River Rafting Trips and Services Organized river rafting trips are a good idea for novices and experts alike. River rafting tours provide all of the equipment, guidance, and instruction necessary. Whale Watching - The Biggest Show on Earth Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip. It's a show with the largest mammals on earth as the star performers. The Great Outdoors is to be Explored and Loved in all its fullness The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects of life that you do not normally see during your normal weekly activities. The familiar sea breezes, the smells of spring flowers, the winter winds, fantastic views from mountain tops and so much more. African Safari Gear Packing List - What To Take Along The last thing you want on an African safari is to realise that you have left any important safari gear behind.Because of the nature of safari there are some things that are essential to take with and others that you can do without because they are only going to add to your luggage weight. Catch Another Falling Star Recently we stayed at a state campground in Michigan near a couple of lakes and the Kalamazoo River.The sites were large and wooded and secluded and it was soooooo relaxing to be there. Greek Food A meal in Greece is highlighted with a selection of hot and cold plates known as mezedes. Soups are few but they are meals by themselves. Discover Knotts Berry Farm Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland in Anaheim, but did you know that less than ten (10) minuets down the freeway, in Buena Park, is another great amusement park, Knott's Berry Farm. Knott's Berry Farm, America's first theme park, is located at 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620, telephone number (714) 220-5200 and has over one hundred fifty (150) rides in six themed areas: Ghost Town, Fiesta Village®, The Boardwalk, Indian Trails, Wild Water Wilderness® and Camp Snoopy which is the official home of Snoopy and the Peanuts characters. Kayak Travel and Trips If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel, the waters and lakes are yours to explore! Mankind has always been drawn to the sea and a kayak trip is truly one of the ultimate highs as far as kayak travel is concerned. Human beings have always invented useful devices that enhance our lifestyles and kayak travel is a great and marvelous feat, which blends excitement, fun and freedom of movement in one great adventure. Topographic Maps 101 The intricate details on a topographic map can be befuddling, even frustrating, if you are learning while out in the backcountry. But once you get familiar with the markings and symbols, reading maps will become a friendly aid, rather than a dreaded assignment. Chimborazo: Learning Spanish At 20,600 Feet Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador isn't highly technical. It is mountaineering, but how hard can it be, considering I went to 20,600 feet the first time I used crampons and an ice axe? Okay, I used them once for practice, on a sledding hill near my house. The Lumemo Trail - An African Wilderness Experience for the Practiced Hiker The Udzungwa Mountains National park was created primarily for the protection of flora rather than fauna. The park was registered in 1992 and is the first of its kind in Tanzania. Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel with an RV New experiences make me nervous, and I assume that holds true for most of us. Towing our fifth wheel through a major tunnel for the first time was such an experience. 4 Steps to an Enjoyable Hike Some people have fought many years of their lives to preserve the rich heritage of the outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That dedication and effort has been rewarded by fantastic hiking opportunities in our local, state, and national park systems. Yellowstone Camping In The Fall Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in Yellowstone National Park. If you are interested in enjoying one of the world's most unique geological wonders without the traffic, and crowds, it is time to start planning a trip. Tips for Mountain Bikers in Spain As any keen mountain biker will know, there are some important rules to follow and bike handling skills to master before subjecting yourself and your bike to the thrills and spills of off-road riding. Although most of us ride within our capabilities most of the time, riding on different trails in hot weather conditions can present a new set of challenges requiring some new biking skills and knowledge. Driving in Greece - How Bad is it? Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe, but they are not the worst - those people know who they are!I have been in driving in Greece for a while now and have witnessed many examples of bad habits on the road, which have shocked my rapidly departing British sensibilities. It is not uncommon for drivers to hoot their horns at traffic lights, even when they are still on red and to fly through red lights. Student Travel - Backpacking In Europe For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking trip through Europe. This right of passage is believed to further the maturation process of college students, according to sociologists. Alaska - Brief Travel Guide WHAT TO SEE, TO DO AND WHERE: Mount McKinley is the highest mountain in North America (6,194 m or 20,306 feet), 150 miles from Fairbanks. Mountain climbing season is very short because of cold weather, strong winds and avalanche hazards.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
