I recently went for a drive on a mission to buy a set of table and chairs. This was my first time driving a car in the US and my first time driving on the other side of the street. Luckily I managed to convince a friend to come along for the ride and he was patient enough to give me directions and some tips.
Now I don’t actually own a car. Instead I’ve signed up to a collective project called WeCar. Basically it’s like a car rental community, with emphasis on the community. There is a central company (WeCar) who looks after them, gets them fixed, serviced and basically do the other boring admin stuff. The rates are pretty decent – $5/hour gets you the car, fuel and insurance cover. The community part comes in mainly in the gas – you are responsible for filling the car when it gets to about 3/4 empty. There is a gas card though so you don’t have to pay. All in all very useful when you don’t need a car every day and you get the environmental kudos for driving a hybrid vehicle (I got a Prius).
I had a few funny moments. For instance I kept turning on the wipers instead of the indicators (they are on the other side of the steering wheel). I also kept flicking on the wrong signal… up is right and down is left here, also the opposite direction for me. Reversing was tricky as I had to get used to looking over my right shoulder – something that was harder than I thought it should be!
Actually the experience wasn’t too bad. Apart from a few corners cut a bit too sharp we managed to get to Target and back in one piece. AND I am now writing this post on a table and sitting on a chair. Bliss!
Have you ever driven on the other side of the road compared to what you’re used to? Or any funny driving stories let me know below!
