Iceland review - 2016, Side 79

ICELAND REVIEW 77
the added hazard of sheep, sometimes
hidden from the driver’s view, which
tend to jump onto the road without
warning. Even once you’ve seen them
cross, don’t speed up just yet, as lambs
follow their mothers and others will
often unexpectedly follow their lead, too.
• The long summer days can be
deceiving so be sure to take regular
breaks and not drive for too long. And
remember that you must drive with
your headlights lit 24 hours a day,
regardless of the time of year.
• Don’t trust your GPS blindly: the
shortest route might not be the best
or fastest and some places have the
same or similar place names. Do your
homework.
• If you’re heading into the high-
lands, seek advice on crossing rivers.
And don’t even think about it without
a 4x4 SUV. Often it’s necessary to first
you should wade into the water to
examine the river’s velocity, depth and
what the bottom is composed of.
• Iceland might look stunning in
winter but those icy roads and that
approaching blizzard could be deadly.
Only after you’ve got caught out by a
winter storm, or had to stop suddenly
on slippery winter roads in the Icelandic
countryside, will you truly understand
these dangers but please take our word
for it.
• By all means head into the darkness
of the night to experience the northern
lights, but don’t even think about stop-
ping your car without indicating and
moving it well off the road. Especially
once you’ve killed the headlights,
you’re posing a real danger to others.
Particularly on icy roads where vehicles
require more stopping time. There isn’t
always sufficient room on the side of the
road, so wait until you find a suitable
pull-off spot.
• Also keep in mind that only around
5,000 km (3,100 miles) of Iceland’s
13,000 km of roads are serviced during
winter, meaning many roads are blocked
by snow. If you do head out of the capital
in winter, be sure to factor in driving at
a reduced speed because of icy roads and
don’t forget the days are short at this
time of year.
• Highland and mountain roads are
only open during the summer and early
autumn. As many roads in Iceland are
raised on embankments to prevent win-
ter snow from burying them, roll-over
accidents often occur when drivers lose
control of their vehicles and drive off
the road.
• Winter tires, a scraper and brush
and windshield washer fluid are a must
and, even if you’re on a day trip and
intend on staying in the comfort of your
heated car, warm clothes and some basic
food supplies are necessary in the event
that you get stranded. A flashlight is
also recommended and a snow shovel.
Though short, the winter days can be
bright and the low winter sun and its
reflection on the snow blinding, so pack
your sunglasses.
• Before you set off, do your research.
There are several good resources for
driving in Iceland, including road.is,
safetravel.is and inspired.visiticeland.com/
academy. Don’t forget to follow the
weather forecast on en.vedur.is/en. Only
then are you ready to embark on your
dream journey around Iceland.
• And remember: if you don’t have
time to drive with care and at the correct
speed, you don’t have time for your trip.
It’s as simple as that.
Safe travels. u
O P I N I O N