Simple strategies for safe foreign driving

Culture shock is rarely as troubling—or as potentially lethal—as it is on the highways of a foreign country.

In England, for instance, waiting to drive onto a country road, you could find that an approaching motorist is flashing his lights at you. Charmed by this courtesy, you pull out in front of him, and he duly slows down to let you merge. But in France the same approach could cost you your car and even your life: When a Frenchman flashes his headlights, it's a warning that he has no intention of stopping.

To steer away from trouble, follow this ten-point guide to motoring abroad.

1. Understand the road signs. Those with wording are rare. Instead of a marker reading WRONG WAY, you'll see a round red sign with a horizontal white line through the middle; YIELD is indicated by an inverted red triangle on a white background. Most maps have a guide to European signage—be sure to study one before you set off. Note that turning right at a red light is generally not permitted.

2. Be cautious on freeways. On major highways, overcrowding and aggressive driving are the norm, making for a fairly frightening experience, especially on the elevated stretches of Italy's sinuous two-lane autostradas. However, most toll highways—common in France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain—are much quieter and can be a pleasure to drive. Keep an eye on your rearview mirror, since cars can overtake you at very high speeds. And bear in mind that cruising in the passing lane is illegal and dangerous: If you do this, drivers who want to pass will tailgate and flash their headlights. Pull aside immediately and let them by. Traffic circles (also called roundabouts, rotaries, and, in France, carrefours) are common on major highways in Europe; vehicles in the circle have priority over merging traffic.

3. Heed the speed limits. Maximums are generally higher than in the United States, and compliance is more spotty. On freeways, 130 kilometers per hour (about 80 miles an hour) is tops in most countries. The limit is 120 kilometers per hour in Spain and Portugal and 70 miles per hour in the United Kingdom. On German autobahns, some stretches have no speed limits at all, but 130 kilometers per hour is the recommended maximum. In populated areas, assume that the limit is 40 kilometers per hour (in Britain, 30 miles per hour), even if no restrictions are posted. Speed traps are common in Europe, and you will usually be fined on the spot. In Britain, you are more likely to be caught by a roadside camera that photographs the license plates of speeding drivers. In this case, you probably won't know that you've been ticketed until you get a letter (and a bill) from the car rental company.

4. Avoid urban mayhem. Little on American roads can prepare you for the aggressive drivers and congestion in European capitals such as Athens, Paris, and Rome. To stay safe and sane, don't drive during rush hour and plan your route before you get behind the wheel.