The White Falcon - 22.04.1983, Blaðsíða 10

10 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Keflavik, Iceland
Icelandic driving laws similar, but unique
In Iceland, as in most overseas assignments,
we all have the opportunity to own and drive
private vehicles. While many of us are accus-
tomed to the driving laws and regulations of the
United States, it is important to remember that
Iceland has its own specific driving require-
ments, which we’re all subject to. Whether you
are driving on the Agreed Area or in town, it’s
critical that you understand and adhere to Ice-
land’s traffic laws.
As all driving regulations are based on com-
mon sense rules for local conditions what fol-
lows will come as little surprise. But before ven-
turing out onto the roads become familiar with
the basic rules—the time you spend could save
you both anxiety and money.
First of all are the traffic signs. They are a
combination of symbols and words. The sym-
bols are easy to understand, they indicate bends,
crossroads, men working and so forth. The few
words to be found will not prove to be much of a
problem, as they are a logical progression of the
symbol used. For instance, a parking symbol
(white P on a square blue background) may
have a few words below—they will indicate
when parking is permitted.
All the symbols used are internationally known.
All warnings as to road conditions ahead, hid-
den dangers, and so on, are triangular with the
apex pointing up. The only exception to this rule
is the yield symbol which is triangular with the
apex pointing down.
All prohibition symbols are circular. They tell
you what you may not do. They post the speed
limit [generally 45 kph (or 30 mph) in urban
areas and 70 kph (55 mph) in rural areas] and the
ban they warn of is not to exceed this limit. Other
banning symbols often have a diagonal line
through4hem to show what may not be done-
such as turn left or right. Again, there is an
exception—the stop sign is not circular, it is
hexagonal and is the same as the American
symbol.
Circular blue signs give orders. They tell driv-
ers which side to pass and mark such things as
traffic circles and pedestrian crossings.
Finally there are rectangular blue signs which
are advisories. They tell drivers where they may
park, camp or buy refreshments. Diamond sha-
ped signs are also advisories. There are only
two. The first, a yellow diamond surrounded by a
black line, reminds drivers they are on a major
road and others have to yield for them. The
second is the same symbol with a black diagon-
al—it says the major road is just about to end.
Having taken care of the traffic signs, the next
problem is actually driving. As all vehicles have
to pass a road worthiness inspection there
should be no worry there—the worrying thing is
what to expect of other drivers!
When in doubt give way. This may seem
overly cautious but it may save you time and
money. All traffic on roads of equal importance
is supposed to yield to traffic coming from the
right. Often you may think you are on a road of
more importance than the one you are approach-
ing—but can you be sure? Probably not, so yield
to traffic coming from the right.
Traffic circles may give you problems until
you have used them. The best advice is to get
into the correct lane early and remember always
that traffic within the circle has the right of way.
Only enter when it’s safe and clear. If you are in
the outside lane you must yield for vehicles on
the inside lane if they are exiting. The best way
to: avoid this latter problem is never to use the
outside lane unless you intend to take the first
exit.
All of what you have just read is self explana-
tory, logical and common sense—now for a few
things to remember that you may have even
considered.
In Iceland there is no “right on red" rule. Most
states in America permit drivers to make a right
turn when facing a red light and when there is no
traffic on the road from their left to their right.
Iceland has no such rule. In every case, when the
traffic lights say “stop”—stop. Any deviation
from this rule could lead to a heavy fine.
Late at night some traffic lights flash yellow in
all directions instead of marking stop or go.
Approach these with caution. Slow down and
make sure nothing is coming from either side
before proceeding. Almost all of Iceland’s traffic
lights which flash yellow at night also have signs
posted which indicate who has the right of way.
But, always proceed with caution.
Tailgating is a problem in Iceland. A great
many Icelandic drivers do not seem to appreciate
the danger associated with being too close.
Don’t fall into this trap. Remember, in cases of
any rear-end collision the driver of the following
car is usually held responsible. If you are wor-
ried about someone tailgating you, just slow
down. The driver behind you probably won’t like
it and will overtake you—that’s his worry, at least
he won’t be close behind any more.
Two final tips. Although there is no penalty for
not complying, Icelandic law says occupants of
front seats must wear seat belts (if they’re fitted)
whenever the vehicle is moving forward. You
don’t have to wear seat belts when reversing or
when visability would be restricted. As U.S. fed-
eral law also demands that drivers of govern-
ment vehicles must wear seat belts, its a good
idea to wear them.
Many Nordic countries have a law which
demands the use of headlights at all times, night
or day. Iceland has no such law yet. But all
drivers are advised to use their main headlights
whenever there is a possibility their vehicle can-
not be easily seen. In rain or snow, and in dust
clouds on dry rural roads, switch on your lights.
You may not be able to see any better, but you
will be seen. Happy driving!
Winter driving:
A careful look
If the only kind of driving we ever did was the
winter kind—on ice and snow or in rainor sleet—
we’d all be good at it.
But the trouble is eight or nine months of the
year we’re busy forgetting the feel of winter driv-
ing. Then one frigid day, there we are clutching
the steering wheel and treading the thin line
between traction and skid... peering into the fal-
ling snow and remembering the wiper blades
need replacing and the brakes have been pulling
a little to the left. Are my snow tires on?
Don’t let this happen to you this year. Begin
winterizing your automobile well in advance of
the time you’ll need it ready. And although you
can’t put your studded snowtires on until Octo-
ber 15, if you need to order them, don’t wait until
October 14 to do that.
Tires are always critical, but especially so in
winter. Icelandic law requires more than regular
tires to be used when driving on snow and ice.
Brakes and uneven tire pressure can cause
handling problems. If brakes aren't in good con-
dition or your tires are inflated to different pres-
sures your car could be pulled to the left or right
when you attempt to stop.
Another important aspect of winter driving is
visibility. In freezing weather you will need to put
an antifreeze solution in yourwindshield washer.
Rubber blades that are aged and cracked by
warm summer weather are likely to streak the
windshield. Even good blades do a poor job if
the arm tension is incorrect.
If your car becomes covered with snow, don’t
just scratch a peephole in the windshield and
figure that's good enough. Brush snow complete-
(See WINTER DRIVING, page 11)
VIOVORUNARMERKI
WARNINGS
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BANNMERKI
PROHIBITIONS
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bannadur bannadur Akutak|a bannadur banrulaur »*nmiv*U bannadur
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BOOMERKI
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