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.
Related Articles:
Structured Bond Scandal Revelations Highlight Governance Flaws in Greek State Pension System
Life & Pensions, the magazine on financial risk management for the global insurance and pension industry, has published an exclusive article on the recent Greek structured bond scandal. Based on exclusive interviews with supplementary pension fund TEAPOKA and others.
Dreaming of a Sailing Vacation? Try the Ionian Islands in Greece
Are you thinking of a nice sailing in Greece? Then why not visit Ionian Islands. The Ionian Islands can be distinguished by its medieval and ancient Greek sites, exotic wildlife, fertile vegetation, impressive scenery, and most of all its trouble-free sailing conditions. Many tourist and local sailors love Ionian Islands almost perfect marine environment. Because of the place's arable soil, it is very abundant with different kinds of fruits and vegetables. The islands first inhabitants were the Old Greeks. They first occupied the islands probably near the beginning of the 9th or 10th century BC. Yet, it was later ruled by other western civilizations. Among them are the Roman (146 BC), Byzantium (300 AD), and the Venetian Empires (1204 AD)...
Ancient Greek Food: Olives
Today, you go to the store and buy a little container of olives. You can get them in all different shapes sizes colors, and more. You can buy them with pimentos in them or not. Many wonder how this food became such an important part of Greek culture and large part of their diet.
Edipsos, The Health Spa City Of Greece
Edipsos (or Aidipsos, or Aedipsos for others) is located at the green northern part of Evia (or Euboea) island which is the second largest in Greece.
Singles Travel International Boards the Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas for an Exotic Greek Island Cruise
Singles Travel International takes the lead once again in luxury with its 2007 Greek Island Cruise from October 20 through 27, 2007. Single travelers will enjoy this exotic cruise on the beautiful Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas starting in Venice, Italy and sailing to the fascinating ports of Athens, Mykonos, Katakalon, Corfu and Split, and then to Croatia. Indulge yourself with 24-hour complimentary cabin/room service or enjoy the sport deck with rock climbing wall, 18-hole miniature golf course & jogging track. The optional one-night package for an extra day in Venice is a must - why travel all the way and miss this charming highlight? This cruise vacation starts at only $930*.
Luxury Hotels In Crete For A Top Honeymoon Package
The Top Luxury Hotels in Crete are amongst the top hotels on the Greek Islands, and Crete Luxury Holidays are amongst the top in the Meditteranean When you come to make a decision about a Greek Island Vacation, you really shouldn?t look any further than Crete. If you want to take a Honeymoon in Europe, then you can get some of the best European Honeymoon Packages directly from the hotels themselves.
Using The Mediterranean Greek Spartan Style
Greek style decor is incredibly simple, but it can still make the home look welcoming and comfortable.
Major Greek Culinary Event Features Cookbook Author Nikos Psilakis Speaking on "The Cretan Diet: Its Culture and Benefits"
An extravaganza of authentic Cretan Foods and Wine will be held March 18th at Drexel University in Philadelphia and March 20th at the South Shore Country Club in Staten Island. Renowned cookbook author Nikos Psilakis and Chef Theodoro Kalathakis will highlight the culture and traditions of traditional Cretan cooking.
Greek Gods Greek Yogurt brings Mediterranean "Culture" to America
Greek Yogurt is quickly becoming a popular product on grocery shelves throughout the USA. Greek Gods brand Greek Yogurt takes great pride in delivering a unique line of flavorful and creamy Greek Yogurt to the masses that embodies a traditional old world value. The product quality and personal service offered by the Greek Gods is unparalleled, and clearly the reason why the brand continually experiences exponential growth.
The Greek Cyclades Islands - a Paradise for a Sailing Holiday
If you are thinking of having the best sailing holiday in Greece, try the Cyclades group of islands. Its location extends southeast from the island of Attica to the shoreline of Asia Minor. The place has a mild weather and is mostly mountainous. Its major products include tobacco, wheat, and wine. Cyclades is renowned in the country for its Bronze Age and Neolithic sculptures. In particular, the island's sculpted female idols made from Cyclades' white marbles have been an important contribution to Greece's ancient artworks.