Tips for driving safely in Iceland

Iceland is quite different from rest of the world and the same can be said when is comes to traveling in Iceland. Traveling is also very different in Iceland. Here in Iceland, everything i.e. road conditions, weather conditions and type of vehicle puts impact on the traveling. Road condition in Iceland is not that good or some would simply say – quite different as compared to other Nordic countries. Only highway number 1 is the paved road and is the widest in the country otherwise most of the other roads are narrow, steep and with very sharp turns. Hence, it becomes very difficult to drive for those who are unfamiliar with driving on these types of roads. When you are hiring a vehicle it is advised to choose the car very wisely and choose a vehicle that they are habitual of driving so that they can handle it in a more efficient manner.

Following are some tips to drive in Iceland if you have driven only on the broad roads of Los Angeles and London.

» Keep your vehicle at a very slow speed when you cross another moving vehicle, especially on a exasperate road.
» Always cut down on speed when the road is changed from paved to gravel road as many accidents are seen at such places all around Iceland. Drivers who are new with this condition must drive very carefully as there is very frequent chance of loosing control and driving off the road.
» Blind submits are very common in almost every part of Iceland so, it is strictly advised to keep very slow and always keep on right hand side of the road.
» It is seen all around Iceland that most of the roads are constructed on edges against winter snows. That’s why rollover accidents are very common when drivers drive fast and lose their control a little bit. Drivers should be very careful against these types of accidents and drive very slow.
» In summer season, light is available for 24 hours. Drivers should remember that they do not drive for too long hours otherwise they will get tired and might fall sleep or feel dizziness while driving. A slightest of mistakes like this can prove very fatal on roads of Iceland.
» In Iceland, prescribed speed limit is very important. In cities it is 27 MPH, outside cities, on paved roads it is 55 MPH and on unpaved roads it is 50 MPH. On roads like Iceland have, following speed limit is very important.
» Domestic animals often come on roads while grazing and roaming. Drivers should take care of them as they may be required to pay the damage to the owner and also the fine to the local authorities.
» Using hands free equipments is mandatory throughout Iceland if you want to talk on phone while you are driving.
» Driving after getting intoxicated from drugs or alcohol or any other thing is strictly prohibited.
» Just like the entire world, using seatbelts of front and back side is obligatory and this law is very strictly maintained in Iceland.
» Use of headlights is also mandatory while the vehicle is in operation. This is because headlights help vehicles to get noted faster.

Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com