Question for you European drivers from a vacationing American

Old 07-20-2005, 03:02 PM
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Default Question for you European drivers from a vacationing American

I was in France for vacation last week and rented a car to drive from Paris to the Loir Valley. The drivers on the highway (and in general IMO) over there are so much better than in the US. NO ONE sits in the left lane with no one in front of them yapping on their cell phone. I was very aggravated driving when I got back to the states.

Anyway, I noticed that when someone pulled out in front of me in the left lane on the highway or even if I came up behind them before they had room to pull to the right, they would put on their left turn signal. Is this a European/French way of saying "I'll get out of your way as soon as I can"? Or is it a "Get the **** off my ***"?
Old 07-20-2005, 11:48 PM
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The first, I have seen you in my mirror and will move over asap.
Old 07-20-2005, 11:50 PM
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Default Also if you indicate to pull out and you see someone approaching from behind in the fast lane .....

indicate to pull back into the inside lane, it means "I will back off so that you can pull out"
Old 07-21-2005, 05:22 AM
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Thanks! I wish things were like that over here.
Old 07-22-2005, 09:07 PM
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Default and that's the way it should be!!!

it's a way to acknowledge you... to tell you they know you're there and as soon as there is an opening they'll get out of the way...

now just imaging how frustrating driving in NA can be for people who grew up over in Europe and moved across the Atlantic...
Old 07-23-2005, 12:33 PM
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Default I wish the Brits drove like the French or Germans.

The UK is full of people hogging the middle and inside lane and we're not allowed to undertake.

French motorways are really good. Normally of very good quality and very under used. Ok you have to pay tolls but they're not terrible if you're there on holiday. I guess if you live their it could be a pain.

Go driving on an autobahn. You can be doing 130-150 and you still have to keep a very regular eye on your rear view mirror as people still fly up quickly behind you.

p.s. Any while I'm generalising whole nations, the Italians are terrible! ;-)
Old 07-23-2005, 01:48 PM
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Default its the european way of politely asking you to move over so they can pass

once they flash the highbeams you are getting on the brake pedal!
Old 07-25-2005, 06:38 AM
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Brit drivers were much more polite than drivers in France. - IMHO
Old 07-26-2005, 10:25 AM
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Default Yeah it is required in France, that when you pass someone on the highway

you have to signal ahead of time, and you keep your signal on until you have passed that person.
If you forget to do it while you are taking your driving test...you can kiss your license goodbye!
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