Driving in Greece - How Bad is it?

Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe, but they are not the worst ? those people know who they are!

I have been in driving in Greece for a while now and have witnessed many examples of bad habits on the road, which have shocked my rapidly departing British sensibilities. It is not uncommon for drivers to hoot their horns at traffic lights, even when they are still on red and to fly through red lights. There is a reason of sorts for some of the occasions when the latter occurs. Traffic lights, even in the capital, are not remotely controlled at different times of the day to allow for changes in traffic flow. Therefore in rush hour, for example, there can be dozens of cars waiting to go through a traffic light, which stays green for only ten seconds or less. This results in stressed out drivers sneaking through on red because they are tired of waiting. I have also been surprised on more than one occasion when going down a one-way street, by someone coming at speed in the opposite direction towards me. I have decided that if I ever dent the front of my car, I'll head straight for the next car heading at me the wrong way up a one-way street and let the other guy's insurance company cover it. Sounds good in theory at least.

The Greeks seem to have a blatant disregard for their own safety ? drivers and pedestrians alike (watch out for Greek grannies walking down the middle of the road with their shopping). Seatbelts are rarely worn and children can often be seen jumping up and down on the back seat, as though they were playing in their rooms, or wedged between two adults on a motorbike. There is very much a "it will never happen to me" mentality, but the statistics show that unfortunately it does happen. I always wear a seatbelt, whether I am driving or I am in someone elses car. It often raises a strange look from Greek taxi drivers, as though you are somehow questioning their ability to drive.

A Few Tips

Now for some tips. The first and most important one is to just be alert. This will keep you safe on Greek roads 99.99% of the time. I realised recently that I am now no longer just looking at the car in front of me, but I am also unconsciously looking through his windshield at the car in front of him. You will soon develop quicker reactions and a sixth sense for when someone is going to do something unorthodox. Driving in the UK would probably feel positively dull now! Care needs to be taken on roundabouts, because it often seems that the rule is the person who drives most aggressively, regardless of whether they are on the roundabout or entering it, is the one who has priority.

Unlike in the UK, when another driver flashes his headlights at you, he is not letting you pass ? the opposite is true - he is warning you that he is coming. In built-up areas, go carefully through crossroads, because people do not always respect stop signs and may also have their view of you blocked by cars parked right on the street corner. In response to what I said earlier about red traffic lights, when the lights turn green do not move off without checking that there are no stragglers coming from another junction. When I first arrived in Athens, I thought that the drivers had a slow reaction time when the light turns green lights but now I think, as with driving anywhere, it is safer to take your time.

About the author: Emmanuel Mendonca is the webmaster of Greece Travel Articles - a source of interesting articles and information about visiting, living and working in Greece.

---

Inflatable Boat Trailers

An inflatable boat trailer is needed if the user has... Read More

The Pyramids of Giza

The most famous Egyptian pyramids to be built are the... Read More

Japanese Garden of Monaco

Have you ever seen an authentic Japanese garden? Well, I... Read More

All the Way to Timbuctu

Yes, it's real. There is a place called Timbuktu and... Read More

How To Buy a Used RV - Part 1

If you are on a tight budget and can't afford... Read More

Camping For Fun

Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the... Read More

You Might Be An Ultralight Backpacker If...

If you you find yourself saying "Hey, that's a good... Read More

Great Indian Holidays

Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More

Ultralight Backpacking Versus Traditional Backpacking

Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just... Read More

Tips for Mountain Bikers in Spain

As any keen mountain biker will know, there are some... Read More

Stay Warm - A Backpacking Skill

Stay warm or die. That's what it comes down to... Read More

Driving in Greece - How Bad is it?

Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe,... Read More

Is There Such A Thing As A Romantic Camping Getaway In Minnesota?

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is pleased... Read More

Ireland Golf Vacations ? Top Tips To Help You Plan an Ireland Golf Vacation

Live your golfing dreams on an Ireland golf vacation.The K... Read More

Bicycling Down The River

My river-rafting adventure started on a bicycle. The small daypack... Read More

RV Camping at Casinos

There's nothing that will quicken the interest of RVers like... Read More

Ultralight Backpacks - The Lightest

Why ultralight backpacks? Devotees of ultralight backpacking know you reduce... Read More

A Thumb Sketch Outline of Tanzania?s Attractions and National Parks

The Northern Circuit is probably Africa's most dramatic wildlife area.... Read More

Spain´s Beaches - You´re Spoilt For Choice

Spain offers the visitor over 4,000 kms of coastline where... Read More

Edible Wild Plants For Backpackers

Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More

Yellowstone Camping In The Fall

Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in... Read More

Ultralight Backpacking Skills - A Three Day Test

On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More

About Table Mountain Cape Town - Well Known in South Africa and Around the World

Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th... Read More

Yachats, OR: An Outdoor Lovers Paradise on the Oregon Coast

There is something about a town tucked between the mountains... Read More

A Review of Popular River Rafting Trips and Services

Organized river rafting trips are a good idea for novices... Read More

Discover The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden In Arcadia California

In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to... Read More

Bird Watching Journals ? Preserve Your Bird Watching Experiences

Bird Watching is a great way to escape the rat... Read More

GOA ? A Carnival of Beaches

The state of Goa on the West coast of India,... Read More

Two Person Hammocks ? Snuggle With Your Beau in Style

How many of you take the time to just relax... Read More

Shark Pictures Not The Real Thing

Pictures of a massive dead Great White shark on the... Read More

Dancing With Whales

We've all heard about whalewatching from boats or shore, and... Read More

Alaska Sport Fishing Guide

WHAT TO FISH AND WHERE: Alaska offers some of the... Read More

African Safari Gear Packing List - What To Take Along

The last thing you want on an African safari is... Read More