The system its self is straight forward just really trying to have plenty of small change ready as you approach the Booths. however, some people have chanced either going through the Express Lane or avoided paying at the small unmanned Throw in payment Booths thinking because they are in a Hire car they will not have to pay. Well, the Hire car companies do have everyones Credit card details and not only are they charging the Toll amounts they are charging the fines and  charges imposed to your Credit Card even when you have left Florida.

We have been told that you are “let off” for one or two mishaps but there is no guarantee that this is the case.

A lot of Hire cars are now equipped with their own Express sensor on their windscreens and you can pay a fee to activate this when you pick up your car that allows you to use the Express lanes.

For frequent and visitors who are staying a little longer you can purchase your own sensor which attaches to your car, for approximately $25.00 (Publix & CVS Chemists) which you need to top up as you please. It also gives you a discount on each Booth’s normal fee, usually betweem 5% & 10%. You can also buy a stick on Pass for approximately $5.00 which gives you the option of paying as much as you do use the Express Lanes, also with the discounts.

These methods may help some visitors but the main thing is be very careful that you do Pay at All Booths, one way or another, as the Fines and Charges may be added to your final Car Hire account.

A Very Happy New Year to All Silver Creek Visitors.

Mary & Larry Phillips

Driving in the USA is, for most people, much easier than driving in the UK. The roads are generally wider and less congested (apart from the I4 at rush hour!), and automatic transmission and cruise control add to the enjoyment. We have found that American drivers are much more courteous than European drivers and this may or may not be due to the American perceived right to bear arms.  Certainly it is not generally a good idea to gesticulate to someone who may have a gun in his glove box.

Speed limits, contrary to popular belief, are very similar to the UK and obviously should be obeyed. Speed cameras are happily few and far between in the States, but look out for those sheriff cars parked sneakily on central reservations!

There are no roundabouts of course, but you have to contend with the “four way stops” where there is no clear right of way. At these intersections, drivers must look at the other stops to see if there are any other vehicles stopped or moving. The idea is that vehicles leave the stop signs in the same order in which they arrived. The first vehicle to arrive at a complete stop is the first vehicle allowed to leave the stop sign by the other drivers. It actually works very well, although I can’t imagine drivers in the UK being so patient!

On the subject of all “Stop” signs, it can’t be emphasised enough that “Stop” does mean “stop”. It does not mean “slow down” a bit. Make sure that you come to a complete halt before proceeding. Many Brits have been prosecuted for failing to observe the distinction.

On the plus side, in Florida it is usually quite legal to turn right at a red light if it is safe to do so – but stop at the “Stop” sign first. (There are some exceptions, and there will be a sign at the intersection in those cases informing you that it is not allowed at that particular place).

Finally I come to the “school bus”. I can’t begin to explain the cold sweats that come over me when I see one of those iconic yellow vehicles as there is U.S. legislation regarding passing or overtaking them. Basically, if they stop to let children off, lights flash and traffic from either direction must immediately stop, no closer than 100 feet from the bus, and not move off again until the bus does so, or the lights cease to flash.

Having said that, I have found driving in Florida a comparative pleasure, and it is a great way to explore the real out-of-the-way Florida.

Please do not take my jottings here as any definitive information on US driving, but do take some time to acquaint yourself with the official US driving laws. Drive happy!

Andy Brownlie