Thoughts on driving in the British style

After 3 weeks here I think I am finally getting the hang of it all, driving that is. I follow three basic rules

1. Always stay to your left: I know it sounds stupid but forceably thinking about this really does help. Some interesting information about traffic directionality.
   
2. Always look to your right at intersections: Yield to the right, again DUH. But really scanning into a corner or roundabout on your right can save from a lot of abrupt hitting the brakes.
   
3. Know the width of your car: Some back country roads can be REALLY small. Knowing how wide your car is, including mirrors, can cut down a great deal of panic and stress. As well as save your mirrors.
   

With these 3 simple rules I have been able to stay mostly out of trouble. Not to say that I haven't had a few horns honked at me or lights flashed. Apparently I get a little aggressive with pushing into the roundabouts when it wasn't my turn. Guess I should read up?

To date we have successfully navigated to several fun destinations without breaking anything or anyone. There are some things I could do without:

1. "Safety Cameras", yeah right there for safety. Some people like them and some studies show that they work. I dont buy it.
   
2. Stop lights in roundabouts, WTF?!
3. Large lorries on small roads. Good god 2 cars are expected to drive on that?
4. Parallel parking over my left shoulder. Still not used to that.
   
5. Parking in small villages... there is none.

Those are the little niggles that really get me. But here are the things I love:

1. Roundabouts. You cant beat the pleasure of not having to come to a full stop when there is no one on your right.
   
2. Winding roads. Even at lower speeds they still seem fun and fast.
3. The yellow light before the green. Simply brilliant.
4. General overall politeness of drivers. They are really quite good about signaling, it must be the roundabouts.
   
5. Following the rules of slower drivers keep left.
   

Overall I am digging it. I probably would have opted for a smaller car as the Vauxhall. I recommend to you, should you travel here, rent a small one and pack lite. Not that I have any problem with Vauxhall or the Astra Estate model we have. It is just bigger than I want it to be when doing day to day stuff. It has been brilliant on the weekend trips as everything you could want fits nicely and has been comfortable to drive for hours at a time.

I look forward to riding motorcycles next. That is when roundabouts get to be fantastic!