Very Important Safety Tips

Left Turns at Junctions

Never make a left turn at a junction without first giving way to all oncoming traffic. Some intersections have a green arrow signal. Only a green arrow gives you the right of way - a normal green light does not.

Overtaking on the Left and Right

On most multi lane routes you can overtake on the left and the right. This calls for greater lane discipline but you are very unlikely to find the sort of moronic behaviour that you see on British Motorways. When you want to change lanes, INDICATE and you will find that the vehicle behind will let you in.

Traffic Joining Expressways

It is common practice in the US for drivers joining Expressways to expect to be let into gaps in the traffic without stopping. Access lanes can quickly become exit lanes on some roads, so please be careful!

Exit Lanes on Expressways

On Expressways and Freeways the lanes on either side can be EXIT lanes. If your Route is carrying you straight through then stay in the MIDDLE LANES to avoid meeting the sign that says "THIS LANE MUST EXIT".

Exit Markers on Expressways

Unlike British Motorways there is no series of countdown signs warning that there is an exit coming. Keep your eyes peeled!

School Buses

Please note that you are not allowed to overtake a yellow school bus from either direction on a two-way street when it is stationary with flashing red lights.

Accidents

Your Rental Agreement states that if you are involved in a road accident, you must remain at the scene and call the Police. If you fail to do this, or are found liable for the accident, Dollar will cancel your Rental Agreement and are not obliged to supply you with a replacement vehicle.

 Seat Belts

All passengers should wear seat belts at all times. Florida law requires seat belts for all front seat passengers, regardless of age. Children up to the age of four are required to be in a safety car seat. Children aged four and five must be in a safety seat or wear a seat belt. California law requires seat belts for all rear passengers as well.

Headlights

Turn on your headlights at dusk, in fog, or in rain (mandatory in Florida). Be especially careful while driving during or after rainfall. Slippery road conditions can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Drink Driving

U.S. Drink Driving laws are stricter than the U.K. and we recommend If you plan to drink, to take along a designated driver who will remain alcohol free. Please note that a Drink Driving offence would invalidate your car insurance and mean that your car would be taken away by Dollar.

Plan Your Route

Use a map to plan your route before you venture out. Good maps of most local areas in the USA are available cheaply from most British book shops, or from the lobby kiosk/gift shop at most of our hotels. Plan your route carefully. If you're uncomfortable about travel to, or through a particular neighbourhood, ask our Representative or at your hotel front desk for safety pointers.

Lock Your Doors

If you find yourself in an area that makes you feel 'uncomfortable' keep your doors and windows locked.

On Your Journey

Do not respond to strangers telling you that "Your trunk is open" or "on fire". If your car is "bumped" by someone only stop at a public area such as a petrol station before exchanging insurance details. Never take "short cuts" unless you are familiar with the area that you will driving through.

Security

Always lock your vehicle. Lock valuables in the trunk, glove box or luggage compartment so they are out of sight. Secure your valuables: Jewellery, cash, cameras and travel documents in your hotel safe. Only take necessary valuables when travelling.

There is liquid dripping from underneath the engine of my car! If the liquid is clear then it is simply condensation from the air conditioning unit of your car.

 The key will not turn in the ignition!

Most cars are equipped with a steering wheel lock mechanism and the key will not turn in the ignition unless the wheel is free. To take the wheel out of the lock position, turn the wheel from right to left while simultaneously turning the ignition key.

My car will not start!

Make sure the gear lever is in the P for PARK position. The car will only start if the gear lever is in this position.

My gear lever won't go into the D for DRIVE position!

Make sure the brake pedal is depressed before shifting from PARK to DRIVE.

My key won't come out of the ignition!

Make sure the gear lever is in the PARK position and the steering wheel is locked. Some cars have a key release button next to the ignition.

The doors keep locking us in after we pull away!

This is an added safety feature on many cars and is perfectly normal. You can normally open all the locks by using the "power locks" lever in the driver's door if fitted to your vehicle.

I've locked my keys in the boot!

This is your responsibility. Find the number of a local locksmith in the Yellow Pages and they will normally come and sort you out (get a quote first!). If you call Dollar they will recommend a reliable locksmith for you.