QUESTION: Driving abroad: what to consider with left-hand traffic?

Driving a car in left-hand traffic conditions can cause a certain psychological barrier and confusion for drivers accustomed to right-hand driving. At first, it is especially difficult to shift gears with the left hand, estimate the dimensions of the car from an unfamiliar side, and drive through roundabouts, which here rotate clockwise. To ensure the adaptation goes as smoothly and safely as possible, experts recommend using the rule of balanced distribution of load and attention.

The essence of this approach is to apply the 70/30 rule, where 70 percent of the route is carefully planned, recorded, and worked out in advance, and the remaining 30 percent is left for spontaneity, rest, and getting used to the road environment. In the first days of the trip, try to choose less busy country highways and secondary roads, avoiding travel during rush hours in large megaclasses with multi-level interchanges. This will allow your brain to rebuild to a new visual experience without unnecessary stress and the risk of making a dangerous maneuver.

It is also useful to develop a few simple mechanical habits before starting each movement. Always stay in the left lane when turning, monitor the position of the car relative to the center of the road using rearview mirrors and a passenger, and at parking lots and gas stations, take a pause so as not to drive against the flow out of habit. Be sure to take a car with an automatic transmission, if possible, so as not to be distracted by shifting gears with an unfamiliar hand, and set aside a couple of hours for calm practice in an empty area before entering busy highways.