Whether you decide to move to the U.S., or you’re just visiting for a business trip or vacation, driving in the country can be a little different than in other places around the world. Foreigners need to identify what’s difficult for them to grasp about American roads and cars, along with buying potentially buying car insurance for foreign drivers.
It’s also important for foreign drivers to look at the way other drivers behave on the road and adapt accordingly. For example, the U.S. is the third-most victimized country by drunk driving. Foreign drivers should stay off the roads at night, especially on certain holidays if they want to decrease their risk of getting hit by a drunk driver.
American drivers also suffer from road rage and they text while driving more frequently than in most other countries. The CDC says the U.S. suffers from these and many other distracted driving habits more than European countries. Foreign drivers should take some of the good driving habits they learned overseas and apply them in the U.S. to be safer.
#1 – Get Auto Insurance
Most states in the U.S. require drivers to have an auto insurance policy to protect them and others in case they get into an auto accident. Foreign drivers can have a tougher time getting an insurance policy.
Two of the companies that specialize in selling auto insurance to foreign drivers are Farmers and Progressive. Unfortunately, insurance for foreign drivers is almost always going to be more expensive than it is for native drivers.
Foreign drivers would need to start fresh and build a clean driving record in the U.S. before they start receiving the same discounts and affordable pricing as people born in the country.
If you’re a foreign driver who is traveling to the U.S. for vacation purposes, you may consider going somewhere with lower insurance rates. One of the fears of traveling is spending too much money, so going to a state like Ohio is better for affordable auto insurance than going to Florida.
#2 – Take a Defensive Driving Course
Every driver should consider taking a defensive driving course, and foreign drivers should especially consider enrolling.
Defensive driving courses have bookwork that allows you to learn all about the rules of the road. They get you out on the road with an instructor who can teach you some tips and tricks for staying cool under pressure, not engaging in road rage, and other practical driving techniques.
Some insurance companies give discounts to people who have taken a defensive driving course. This might even apply to foreign drivers who are trying to build their clean driving record from scratch after moving to the U.S.
#3 – Learn American Rules
The U.S. has many basic driving differences that stand in contrast to others around the world. One of the main differences is the steering wheel being on the left side of the car. Other countries around the world, especially in Europe, have the steering wheel on the right side of the car.
If you’re not able to adapt, your driving skills may diminish. As we talked about already, classes are a great way to learn how to drive more defensively and safely as a foreign driver if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the U.S.
Odd Rules
The U.S. also has some of the most unique driving rules in the world. Make sure you learn about some of the weirdest ones depending on the state you’re driving in.
A law in Minnetonka, Minnesota forbids drivers from traveling around on roads with tons of debris or dirt on their vehicles. Perhaps this is to prevent the dirt from splashing on other drivers if it starts raining. Putting plastic bags on your car mirrors may help to prevent smudges and nasty sludge from accumulating.
The city of Rockville, Maryland made it illegal to swear or curse people out on the road. And while this is a great way to stop road rage, many foreign and native drivers alike would be shocked to hear about this rule.
You need to always be ready to learn about your surroundings when you’re a driver in a new country.
#4 – Travel With People You Know
Moving or vacationing in the U.S. can be lonely if you’re all alone without any friends or family members. Try to travel with someone who has been to the U.S. before and they may be able to give you some tips on how to navigate the roads in the country.
Having companionship makes the traveling experience so much easier. It takes stress off your back because you know there’s someone to lean on in case you get lost or don’t know what you’re looking for.
Making a new friend in the U.S. so you have more help the next time you come is another great way to build familiarity with the country.
Even with all of these tips in mind, the most important thing to remember is how vital it is to prepare before you come to the U.S. Never come to a foreign country without learning about the customs and rules of your destination.
Shawn Laib writes and researches for the insurance site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. He wants to help foreign drivers to prepare for their trip to the U.S.
