Atlantica - 01.06.2001, Page 43

1) Many rural roads in Iceland are gravel roads not suited to fast
driving. Please drive carefully and show other road-users consideration
at all times. When you meet another car, slow down, and pull out to the
side of the road.
2) The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on
gravel roads in rural areas and 90 km/h on hard-surfaced roads.
Please note: special warning signs indicate danger ahead, such as
sharp bends, but there is generally no separate sign to reduce speed.
3) Icelandic highland roads are not meant for ordinary cars, and
that includes hire cars. Their insurance does not cover them for
driving on highland roads.
4) Driving off marked roads is prohibited. It results in irreparable
damage to the land and the plant cover which may remain visible
for centuries. Drivers who cause damage to the land and the
vegetation may be liable to claims for compensation.
5) There are many blind hills on our roads, some of them
without any markings at all. Many of them however, are marked
with the warning sign "OTHER DANGER" above the word
"BLINDHÆÐ" (BLIND RISE).
6) Many bridges are too narrow to allow more than one car to cross at
a time.
7) Please ask for information about the various roads and tracks in the
highlands, e.g. at the office of Vegagerðin
(The Public Roads Administration).Tel.: 1777. Highland roads are
often impassable far into summer. Please remember that driving off the
established roads and tracks is forbidden in the highlands as well
as everywhere else.
8) Always pay attention to road signs, especially when travelling
on unfamiliar roads.
9) Many rivers in the highlands are unbridged. Therefore, it is
important that you make sure that the conditions are safe before
you attempt to cross - especially when a vehicle is
travelling unaccompanied, i.e. not in a convoy.
10) Please be prepared for farm animals grazing by the roadside
and straying into or crossing the road. Drivers who
cause injury or death to such animals may be liable to claims for
compensation.
11) No-one may drive a motor vehicle in Iceland after drinking
alcoholic beverages.
12) All travellers are obliged to use safety belts where
they are available.
13) Beware of getting too tired at the wheel.
Iceland may look small on a map of the world,
but distances that seem short on the map
may take a long time to cover by car.
So please take long journeys in
easy stages and enjoy them
to the full.
14) Drivers are obliged to
drive with headlights on
at all times.
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