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Driving in Los Angeles??

  • 27-01-2008 1:26am
    #1
    broadwaybaby
    Closed Accounts Posts: 43 ✭


    My dad and I are thinking of going over in March as his sister just died out there and we want to visit her grave. However , she was widowed so we have no family to go to and I've heard it's heard to get around as there is no public transport. Our only option would be to rent a car , my dad is very nervous driver even on the m50 so I was wondering if he'd lose his life over there completely or is it easy enough to drive there?


Comments

  • #2
    keefg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,187 ✭✭✭keefg


    Hi,

    First of all, my sympathies for your loss.


    I would say you need to be quite confident over there, a few things to remember are......

    1) There is no such thing as a fast or slow lane on the motorway (highway). Other drivers will pass you on both sides.

    2) Know where you are going. This is very important, there are a lot of unpleasant neighbourhoods in LA and all it takes is one wrong turn and you could be in trouble.

    3) Make sure your doors are locked at all times (driving & stationary) and don't leave bags etc lying visible in the car. Carjacking is a problem there.

    4) Make sure you take out the CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance with the hire company. It will cost about 12-15 dollars extra per day but it may come in handy, especially driving in a busy city you are not familiar with.

    5) No matter how bad the traffic is on the motorway, do not use the High Occupancy Lanes (Car Pool) on the left unless you have enough people in the car. There will be signs (diamond shape I think) before the lanes telling you the minimum occupancy of a car - this is normally 2 or 3 people. It can be very expensive if the cops catch you.

    I know what I have written above may seem like all doom & gloom but as long as you take it easy and use your common sense you should be fine :).

    Almost all hire cars are automatics as well so that will make it a bit easier to drive.

    I would also suggest that you get a satnav from the hire company (approx 10 bucks per day), I was in LA last year and I would have been totally screwed without my satnav.

    Good Luck.


  • #3
    Ponster
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,912 Mod ✭✭✭✭Ponster


    Driving IMHO is easier in the States than in Ireland. Just get a good map and a satnav if possible remembering that everyone at least has passed a driving test at some stage of their life :)

    Carpool lanes are fulltime in CA and apply once you have 2 people in the car.


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